By Howell Dennis

CITY EDITOR

CROWLEY – Don Cravins Jr., a candidate for the U.S. Congressional 7th district seat, spoke to the group Concerned Citizens for Good Government Monday evening at Fezzo’s Restaurant in Crowley.Several local dignitaries including former Mayor Isabella delaHoussaye and City Judge candidates Lyle Fogleman and M’elise Trahan were in attendance.

Cravins will be running against incumbent Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette

“I’m running for Congress because I believe that Washington is a mess,” said Cravins, D-Opelousas. “We have so many problems in this country that we need to tend to and the congressmen don’t change and I’m just tired of it.”

Cravins, who refers to himself as a conservative Democrat, is pro-life and a member of the National Rifle Association. He is also a Captain in the Opelousas Reserve Police Force.

“Being in the force helps me, as an elected official, to keep up with what’s happening in our own neighborhood,” he said.

Cravins went on to say that anyone who doubts him need do nothing more than look at his record.

“I’ve been fighting for insurance companies to do more for autistic children, I helped pass a bill that caps hurricane deductibles for insurance companies, and I voted against legislative pay raises,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Cravins said that he is especially proud of the endorsement he received from the Blue Dogs of the Democratic Party, who are a group of moderate and conservative Democrats known for not supporting abortion, gay marriages or gun control.

“My job is to go to Washington and fight for my people,” he added. “I want to be your voice and be the man you can call anytime you need me.”

“This is Louisiana politics so I’m just going to conclude by saying that I need your vote,” he said, drawing laughter from the group.