Political Sex Scandals, Corruption, and Resignations: A Possible Preview of Mardi Gras 2008 Parades

In New Orleans, we have a standard parade offering in addition to beauty queens and floats covered in flowers; political satire. Almost anyone from Louisiana will instantly recognize the elected officials being skewered. Tourists from out of state may have no clue what the joke is all about. Here's a quick rundown of which officials are likely to be lampooned during this Mardi Gras 2008 season.

From the Senate
Remember reading about the Senator with ties to a shady Washington, D.C. escort service? The one rumored to be a regular in a New Orleans brothel? That was Senator David Vitter, born right here in New Orleans and currently representing Louisiana in the United States Senate.

If Senator David Vitter is not featured on a Mardi Gras float somehow, may I catch no beads this year. He was already mocked earlier this year during the Southern Decadence Gay Pride parade, an event also referred to as Gay Mardi Gras. The crowd broke into applause all along the route. All signs point toward more ridicule to come.

From the U.S. House of Representatives
I'm sure you heard about the Representative alleged to have $90,000 chilling in his freezer next to the Hot Pockets. Even though that scandal was big news last year, it may be too soon to ask float builders to pass it up. The investigation is still ongoing. The latest delay puts the hear off until... February; Carnival season! Representative William "Dollar Bill" Jefferson has a good shot at getting to roll down St. Charles Avenue again this year.

From the State Level
Our governor is always a popular target. With so many people still waiting for money from the state's 'Road Home' rebuilding program, I predict that Governor Kathleen Blanco will continue to be fodder for float builders. Recent whispers that she may be writing a book covering her term in office have kept her in the spotlight, even though she did not run for governor in the last election. I wonder if she'll get a Wonder Woman (done as Blunder Woman) outfit this time, too?