Scalise was in Alaska while Congressional leaders were in New Orleans trying to help his constituents

JEFFERSON—NOLA.com’s Capital Hill reported noted that Steve Scalise has sent a letter to the Democratic Leadership requesting items related to hurricane disaster relief be included in a stimulus bill to be considered this September.

“Scalise is a day late and a dollar short,” said Joel Coon, campaign manager for Jim Harlan, a candidate for Congress in Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District. “His letter is merely an attempt to cover the tracks he left in the Alaska snow.”

“Scalise could have joined with Governor Bobby Jindal and expressed his views in person but he was on a tax-payer funded junket to Alaska,” said Coon.
While Scalise was in Alaska, more than 30 members of the U. S. House of Representatives, including key committee chairs, were in New Orleans and the Jefferson Parish metro area.

"Scalise has his priorities for the needs of the district all wrong," said Coon.

"Why would someone pass up such an opportunity to provide real help and solutions for Louisiana in order to make partisan political points on an extravagant trip to Alaska?" Coon asked.

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

"Steve Scalise left the promised land of oil and gas drilling opportunities here in Louisiana to travel to a frozen tundra," Harlan said. "Louisiana can produce oil sooner and reduce oil prices and provide good jobs if we will only have the political will to accelerate our efforts here. Alaska will take years to develop compared to the potential of Louisiana's energy reserves and the experience of our oil and gas industry."

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 passes on a opportunity to advance hurricane protection and recovery and focus on Louisiana's oil and gas industry while taking his taxpayer-funded vacation to Alaska. The time has come for change and Louisiana deserves a congressman who will work with both parties. Jim Harlan is an expert on energy business, technology, and policy with proven accomplishment. He is the right man at the right time for Louisiana and America.”