The Cleo Fields-Jeff Landry Deal:
A Devil’s Bargain for Louisiana
In 2023, a controversial political deal emerged between State Senator Cleo Fields and Republican Jeff Landry, sparking intense debate and criticism. This arrangement took place during the 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial race and involved a strategic trade-off between Fields and Landry.
The Deal
At the heart of the deal was an agreement in which Fields consented not to mobilize Black voters in support of Democrat Shawn Wilson, the former state Transportation Secretary, who was running for governor. In exchange, Landry and his Republican allies promised not to oppose Fields’ efforts to lead the creation of a second majority Black congressional district the following year.
This maneuver was significant for several reasons. First, it allowed Landry to consolidate his base without facing significant opposition from Black voters, which bolstered his position in the gubernatorial race. On the other hand, Fields aimed to secure greater representation for Black voters through the establishment of a new congressional district.
However, the implications of this deal were far-reaching. Critics argued that the arrangement prioritized political gain over genuine representation and voter mobilization efforts. By agreeing not to galvanize Black voters for Wilson, Fields effectively undermined the potential impact of a key demographic that could have influenced the election outcome.
The Consequences
However, the implications of this deal were far-reaching. Critics argued that the arrangement prioritized political gain over genuine representation and voter mobilization efforts. By agreeing not to galvanize Black voters for Wilson, Fields effectively undermined the potential impact of a key demographic that could have influenced the election outcome.
The “devil’s bargain” has cast a shadow over Fields’ political motives and future behavior, with many questioning whether the arrangement truly served the best interests of the communities involved or simply advanced personal and political agendas.
If He's Done It Before,
Why Won't He Do It Again?
The devil’s bargain Cleo made with Landry plunged Louisiana into some of the most dangerous right-wing policies in the nation. And he did it because he was only thinking about himself, not the consequences for the rest of us. If he sold us out in Louisiana, why won’t he do it in DC?
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