Questions Democrat Gov. John Bel Edwards Won’t Answer Today

Today, the Pelican Institute is hosting a forum in Baton Rouge for gubernatorial candidates to discuss the issues that are important to Louisiana voters. But while Republican candidates Congressman Ralph Abraham and Eddie Rispone are both participating, Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards isn’t on hand to answer any questions, despite receiving an invitation to the event.

Since Edwards is missing this opportunity to be held accountable for his failed record as governor, we’ve prepared a list of questions that he must be especially eager to avoid:

• You promised you wouldn’t raise taxes but then imposed the largest tax hike in state history, why did you go back on your word?
• Why did you choose to impose sales tax hikes that tend to “hurt poor people the most,” according to the Times-Picayune?
• You claim to have solved Louisiana’s fiscal issues, why then did the CATO Institute give you an “F” grade for fiscal responsibility in its annual gubernatorial report card?
• Why are you touting Louisiana’s weak personal income growth rate, which is ranked 38th in the nation and has fallen three spots from when you took office, as an accomplishment?
• If Louisiana “remains competitive in business development” as you claim, why does CNBC rank the state 44th for business climate?
• 55,000 Louisiana workers have reportedly left the state since you took office, why do you keep chasing businesses out of the state?
• Members of your party are pushing the Green New Deal, which would jeopardize Louisiana’s energy industry jobs – where do you stand?
• You stated this week that Obamacare has “flaws” but declined to elaborate – what are those flaws?
• Do you support government-run single payer healthcare, as Democratic Governors Association Chair Gina Raimondo does?

Unfortunately for John Bel Edwards, he can’t avoid answering for his record or explaining his positions forever – Louisiana voters deserve to know where he stands.