Wow--talk about an early announcement of a re-election campaign!
Shreveport City Councilman Jim Taliaferro has just issued a press release titled "City Councilman Jim Taliaferro Announces First Re-Election Campaign."
Taliaferro represents District C. His term ends in December of next year.
Known for wearing big cowboy hats, jeans, big buckle belts and cowboy boots, Taliaferro may have set the Guiness Book of Records for a formal announcement of a re-election campaign. Since he can only serve two successive terms on the Council, this effort will be both his "first" and "last" re-election campaign during this cycle.
Cowboy Jim is a big glad hander who has previously served on the Caddo Commision. He is a big time supporter of Mayor Tom Areceneux who rarely if ever bucks him with his council votes.
Many have questioned Taliaferro's actual residence in the city in his past campaigns. Cowboy Jim has a farm in Doyline that many politicos believe is his primary residence. But if it is, he will not be the lone ranger on the Council since District E Councilman Alan Jackson's primary abode is in Austin.
Some names have been quietly mentioned as potential candidates. District C has always had active citizen involvement in local elections and incumbent candidates are not guaranteed a free ride. Taliaferro had virtually no opposition in his first council campaign, which may not be the case next fall.