Hotline On Call

Rep. John Fleming, R-La., seems to be moving closer to jumping into the Senate race, sending out a statement Friday criticizing Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu for saying that the government has to "bring more revenues."

"In order to get 'more revenues' to Washington, liberals like Mary Landrieu will have to raise taxes on more people who earn less income," Fleming's statement reads. "Louisiana's state motto is Union, Justice, Confidence. I see none of that when Washington liberals like Mary constantly cry out to send more money. Louisianians know better than Washington elitists when it comes to what's best for them and their families. That starts with people letting keep more of what they earn. Mary Landrieu and President Obama are out of touch with Louisiana values."

But Fleming spokesman Doug Sachtleben cautioned not to read too much into the statement. "At this point the feeling is that we'll continue to point out when Mary makes comments like that ... we just feel that it's important for people to be aware of that," he said.

Fleming's office confirmed to Hotline On Call on Thursday that he is taking a look at the seat, as did fellow Reps. Bill Cassidy and Charles Boustany. "Rep. Fleming has been encouraged by number of folks and groups back home to consider the race, and he is open to that possibility, but no decision is imminent," Sachtleben said, in a Thursday email.

Landrieu's comments came during a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss the sequestration yesterday. "Why is it not that some of my colleagues on the other side will acknowledge the reality that the revenues coming in to the government are the lowest level since President Eisenhower was the president," asked Landrieu. "We can not rearrange the passengers on the Titanic and suggest that we're doing anyone a favor. We have to bring more revenues."