Natural gas export project in the state
Since becoming head of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this year, Landrieu has installed a pair of Louisiana aides on the panel’s staff to address the needs of what she calls “America’s Energy Coast.” She’s leaned on agencies to issue permits for Sempra Energy (SRE)’s natural gas export project in the state. Last month she held a hearing in Louisiana to get an update on a local hydroelectric project.
No one in recent memory has so aggressively used a gavel to get re-elected, said Jennifer Duffy, Senate editor of the Cook Political Report in Washington. Whether it will be enough to hold off a Republican challenger in her toughest contest yet remains to be seen.
“She has to show voters that she’s fairly indispensable,” Duffy said. “And many believe that if she’s going to win, this is one of the reasons why.”
Campaigning in a state President Barack Obama lost in 2012, Landrieu is relying on her ability to help home-state interests and campaign givers, and putting some distance between her and the party. Landrieu, a supporter of the Keystone XL pipeline, has set a vote tomorrow on a bipartisan bill that would bypass the administration and clear the project after several delays.