'Redneck millionaire' and 'Duck Dynasty' star eyed for La. House seat

BY PAUL BEDARD |
AUGUST 12, 2013 AT 11:30 AM

A new political dynasty might soon be joining the Kennedys, Clintons and Bushes: Duck Dynasty, that is.

Some key Republican operatives are eager to woo one of the hit show's stars--Willie Robertson--to run for the seat given up by retiring Republican Rep. Rodney Alexander.
Alexander, expressing frustration with divided government, is going to work in Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's cabinet. He will leave at the end of September and a special election will be held to fill the open seat.

He represents the 5th District, including Monroe, La., home to the group headed by Robertson, the game call and hunting companiesDuck Commander and Buck Commander. Alexander and his staff are also friendly with the Robertson family, especially Willie.

Robertson is more famous for the TV hit Duck Dynasty on A&E about the family business, in which where he is known for being the CEO prankster. He is a self-described "redneck millionaire."

"My boys want to run Willie Robertson for the seat," said a key outside advisor to House GOP leadership. The source said that efforts are being made to interest Robertson into running.

A spokesman for the Robertson family didn't return a request for comment.
GOP officials said while there is an interest in getting Robertson to run, they doubted that they can get him to leave his TV and CEO perch. Others said that Washington is often too fast to reach out to celebrities because they often turn out to be poor candidates.

"Yup, I think it is a D.C. thing right now," said a GOP official, who added, "Why would a multi-millionaire, TV sensation give up that work to run for a congressional seat?"
Another House advisor said, "Celebrity candidates are very appealing to inside-the-Beltway consultants and reporters, but they usually run lousy campaigns. That, and Louisiana tends not to favor celebrity candidates."

If Robertson doesn't run, others are already lining up for a bid. Roll Call said they include State Sen. Neil Riser and Alexander's chief of staff, Adam Terry.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/redneck-millionaire-and-duck-dynasty-star-eyed-for-la.-house-seat/article/2534155