Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is spending his first day on the job in Baton Rouge. One political expert already sees signs of stormy times to come.
Before Governor Edwards took his oath of office yesterday, he’d lost a political battle. The House refused to name his preferred Speaker of the House.
Jeremey Alford -- publisher of LA Politics.com – says that was highly unusual.
“It’s been more than three decades that the House was so divided that it came to a voice vote. Traditionally what happens is that the governor will select a Speaker to support, and then the House votes internally, and usually gives the governor whatever he or she wants," he said. " This is the first time in modern history that the Louisiana governor did not select the Speaker of the House.”
Alford says lawmakers are concerned that Edwards may have to battle some gridlock as policy and budget matters progress.
“We’re in for some very interesting political times over the next four years," he said. "I don’t think anyone particularly is looking forward to it.”
Edwards is planning to announce an executive order today, expanding Medicaid funding – something former Governor Bobby Jindal opposed. It comes two days ahead of a visit to Baton Rouge by President Obama.
