As someone who considered moving to Louisiana...

[leodem]

and possibly applying to the Louisiana State Police

I never realized how blue the state is. I looked on the Secretary of State's Elected officials and saw a ton of Democrats hold local offices all over the state.

How to do you all like living in Louisiana?

[bluedonkey]

1. I came here in '82

and never left.I love it here!I get homesick when I'm away and I'm not even from the States(I'm from Germany)!I love the food,the heat,the humidity,every plant you put in the ground will become invasive if left alone.The natives are usually nice and if they're not,they're transplants:evilgrin:
I'm in Baton Rouge and I loved it better 20+ years ago,traffic is a mess and it doesn't look like they ever get a handle on it.Maybe I'm just getting old,I'm definitely ready for a place in the country.I love this place,I truely feel like I belong here.My theory is I used to live here in another life and I finally came home.:eyes:

Did I mention I love it here?

[pacalo]

2. I have to say...

The people are pretty laid-back & the food is excellent (actually, beyond compare).

You're right - the state generally favors Democrats, but its current "red" status, imo, is due to the mentality of (blind? macho?) loyalty that Louisianians generally have about their country after 9-11, & particularly, their state. Criticize this state to a home-bred Louisianian & you'll see what I mean.

Even the local television news will dump a national network news program in favor of a local one. Case in point: Our CBS affiliate hasn't shown the CBS Morning Show in decades, in favor of its own local "Today"-like program. This program's ratings show that the natives prefer local flavor over national morning shows.

[dr.zoidberg]

3. Being a Democrat in La. is almost required, it seems.

These days I used that phrase figuratively, but back in the day, from what I've been told, it was literal.
The food is great, the people are laid back, and for the most part believe in 'Southern Hospitality.'
Also, you have to go see LSU play a home game at night. I believe it is considered your duty as a Louisianian to go to a game:) .

[leodem]

4. Yes the food is great...

Probably my most favorite style of cooking.

How is life for a GLBT person? I'm not a flaming queen or push my life on anyone but if people ask if me if I am with somebody I don't lie, just want to be respected.

[AnnInLa]

5. Blue because of "tradition"

You noticed so many blue elected officials because the Louisiana tradition is to be in the Dem Party. IMHO, they are DINOs though. I know so many people who vote repuke every election, but stay registered as Dems because their grandparents would "turn over in their graves" if they registered repuke. If you want a true-blue place to live in LA, that would be the New Orleans area.

I travel alot and have not found a place that is cheaper to live. Property taxes are low (so, school excellence is poor), rent and house prices are low, things in general are cheap. I am retiring soon, and would love to find some place that is true-blue, instead of DINO-blue, but because it's so inexpensive to live here, guess I'll stay. Sigh.

[LSU_Subversive]

6. yep. most of the democrats i've met down here are "southern democrats"

which is often considered a very different thing from what most of us on this site consider democrat.

not so surprisingly, however, i've never met an african american "southern democrat."

[ctmatthe]

7. Im still leaving

Born here, and lived here for 21 years, but I am leaving soon as I graduate. TOO hot here. I will miss our food, and the niceness of most of the people, but I will be glad to get above sea level.

[frustrated_lefty]

8. Having lived in New Orleans off and on for 38 years

the place has it pluses. The food is great. Visiting Lake Ponchatrain is great, the Christmas lights in City Park are a beautiful sight to see if you have kids.

If you're looking at moving outside of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Shreveport, you're looking at moving into the boonies, into areas with very old southern attitudes.

The state police in New Orleans....without being too direct, let's just say their ethics are questionable.