Massive Debt and Poor Fundraising Show Trouble for Scalise As He Traipses To Alaska In Search of Oil

JEFFERSON—Congressman Steve Scalise has reported a weak $200,000 cash on hand for his campaign with more than $192,000 in debt.

“Scalise is dead in the water,” said Joel Coon, campaign manager for Jim Harlan who is challenging Scalise.

“We are having great success raising money and we had more than $575,000 cash on hand at the end of the second quarter,” Harlan said. “People are responding extremely well to my background as a pragmatic, problem-solving businessman.”

“This shows that the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District are hungry for change,” Harlan said. “We’re in this thing to win. It’s time to change the way Washington works.”

Harlan released a new web video today in support of his campaign and to continue to introduce himself to Louisiana voters. The web video can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CPAXae2tVw [1].

Harlan also questioned Scalise’s recent congressional junket to Alaska in search of oil.

“Steve Scalise left the promised land of oil and gas reserves here in Louisiana to travel to a frozen tundra,” Harlan said. “Louisiana can produce oil sooner and lead America to energy independence if we will only have the political will to accelerate our efforts here. Alaska will take years to develop compared to the hope and promise of Louisiana’s energy reserves and the experience of our oil and gas industry.”

Harlan is not alone in his criticism of Scalise and his junket. Local political bloggers and commentators in Louisiana took Scalise to task this week for his trip to the frozen wasteland of Alaska. A simple Google search of “Scalise” and “Alaska” will turn up a number of local political activists criticizing the Alaska junket.

Harlan said, “Congressman Scalise has his priorities all mixed up. While he was in Alaska, a high level congressional delegation was in Louisiana focusing on hurricane recovery and protection. Governor Bobby Jindal was right to meet with this delegation on behalf of Louisiana families. That is a great example of Republicans and Democrats working together to address real problems.”

Coon said, “Louisiana voters and the political establishment are scratching their heads in wonder as Scalise sells out Louisiana’s oil and gas industry with his taxpayer-funded vacation to Alaska. The time has come for change and Jim Harlan offers the practical, pragmatic leadership America and Louisiana so desperately needs.”