This Week in Louisiana Politics: Lawmaker’s candidacy for US Senate, opioid settlement, AG joins coalition

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — This Week in Louisiana Politics focused on a new primary challenger to U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), how much the state will receive from an opioid settlement, and the attorney general joining a coalition to defend President Trump.

Here’s what to know.

State sen. announces candidacy for U.S. Senate

State Sen. Blake Miguez (R-New Iberia) will challenge Cassidy. He called Cassidy out in a campaign ad, accusing him of betraying the state.

“I supported the president 90% of the time in his first term. He’s got two cabinets, which is among the top of all Republican senators. He’s got two Cabinet secretaries that he would not have unless I’d gotten them approved,” Cassidy said.

State Treasurer John Fleming is also running for the Senate seat.

Louisiana to get $69M in opioid settlement

Fifty-five attorneys general agreed to sign on to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and Sackler family members. Attorney General Liz Murrill said the state will distribute settlement money in waves over the next 15 years to support addiction treatment, prevention and recovery.

“My office will continue to hold these opioid companies’ feet to the fire for contributing to the national opioid epidemic. This settlement will bring much needed funds to Louisiana to help combat the effects of this crisis,” said Murrill.

AG joins coalition to defend Trump

A filing in the court of appeals supports Trump’s use of the “Alien Enemies Act” to deport those who are believed to be members of a violent Venezuelan gang. The brief claims that he is within his authority to remove those who serve as a threat to national security.

States involved explain that the threats and Trump’s intention to defend the country are hurting their communities.

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