RGA Releases New TV Ad In Louisiana Governor’s Race, “Keep Her Quiet”

Ad Documents Allegations of Sexual Assault By Top John Bel Edwards Appointee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – RGA Right Direction PAC, an organization supported by the Republican Governors Association (RGA), today released a new television ad in the Louisiana governor’s race. Titled “Keep Her Quiet,” the ad brings to the forefront Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards’ decision to hire accused sexual harasser Johnny Anderson to a key post in his administration, leading to well-documented allegations of predatory behavior that cost over $100,000 in settlement costs and legal fees – billed to the taxpayers.

KEEP HER QUIET

Shortly after his election in 2015, Edwards hired Anderson to serve as a deputy chief of staff and put him in charge of “women’s policy issues” and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights, which handles sexual harassment complaints. Edwards’ decision to hire Anderson raised questions given Anderson had faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment while serving on the governing board of Southern University during former Governor Kathleen Blanco’s administration.

Within weeks of being hired, Anderson allegedly began engaging in predatory behavior, targeting a staff member in Edwards’ office. The victim alleged that Anderson sent sexually explicit messages, demanded sexual favors during a job interview, and continued the harassment for over a year. After Anderson resigned in the wake of the scandal, additional allegations from others who came into contact with him while he worked for Edwards emerged.

Ultimately, Edwards’ administration spent nearly $108,000 of taxpayer money to try to make the issue go away, even imposing a “non-disparagement agreement” to make it difficult for Anderson’s victim to speak out. Edwards has admitted to knowing about Anderson’s past when he hired him, and declined to contact or apologize to Anderson’s victim.

“John Bel Edwards told Louisianans he was a different kind of politician. But when he put an alleged predator in a position of power and tried to keep the victim quiet, he failed the test of leadership when it counted,” said RGA Communications Director Amelia Chassé Alcivar. “It’s time to stand up for the victims and hold John Bel Edwards accountable.”

The ad will run statewide on broadcast and cable networks.

Script for “Keep Her Quiet”

Meet Johnny Anderson

Governor Edwards’ former deputy for women’s issues and sexual harassment complaints.

But Anderson had already been investigated for sexually harassing six women.

Edwards hired him anyway.

It happened again.

Anderson was accused of forcing a woman into sex acts to keep her job.

Edwards’ response? He spent a hundred thousand taxpayer dollars to keep it quiet.

Speak for the victims.

Vote against John Bel Edwards.

Paid for by the RGA Right Direction PAC.