Latest News

Alexander to seek 5th term

07/08/2010

By Greg Hilburn
8 July 2010
The News-Star
 
Fifth District U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, a four-term Republican incumbent from Quitman, qualified to run for a fifth term Wednesday in Baton Rouge.
 
Alexander, 63, said he believes he has been an effective voice for the sprawling district, which includes Monroe and Alexandria as the major population centers.
 
"I enjoy my job, and getting things done that benefit the people of the district is motivation for me to work even harder," said Alexander, who pointed to recent projects like the new terminal at the Monroe Regional Airport and the mobile dental hygiene at the University of Louisiana at Monroe for which he secured funding.
 
Alexander is a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, from where he is able to direct funding for projects within his district.
 
"If (the Republicans) regain the majority, which I think is a possibility, that would allow us to do even more," he said.
 
Nobody else qualified for the 5th District seat on Wednesday, but Todd Slavant, R-Monroe, said he will qualify to challenge Alexander on Thursday morning.
 
Alexander said he hasn't sensed a wave of anti-incumbency directed at him.
 
"There are some people who think everybody needs to be beaten, but I haven't gotten that type of feedback or sensed that type of frustration with us in great numbers," he said.
 
The primary election is Aug. 28. The general election is Nov. 2.