THIBODAUX, La., May 24 (UPI) -- Billy Tauzin III, son of GOP U.S. Rep. Bill Tauzin, R-La., announced he will be a candidate in Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District in 2004.
Since the elder Tauzin announced he would not seek re-election to the seat he has held since May 1980, speculation has been high the younger Tauzin was looking seriously at a bid to replace his father.
Now a lobbyist for BellSouth, Tauzin is one of two Republicans who will appear on the open primary ballot along with Democrats Charmaine Cacciopi and former state Rep. Charlie Melancon. Having the familiar Tauzin name on the ballot, a GOP strategist told UPI, will likely do a lot to help the Republicans keep this seat in the upcoming election.
Those attending Tauzin's Saturday announcement of his candidacy included his father, the former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and retiring Sen. John Breaux, D-La., who is also the younger Tauzin's godfather.
