In the Louisiana Senate District 31 race, longtime politician Alan Seabaugh is facing off against recently retired Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy. On the campaign trail, Seabaugh is smug. He thinks lawmaking is too difficult for McConathy. “This ain’t coaching basketball,” he likes to say.
Seabaugh’s comments tell us everything we need to know about what he thinks of you and me. He makes clear that the lofty work he does is not for the everyday man; the elites and career politicians have it covered. Perhaps he needs a reminder that the Legislature is supposed to be representative of the wider public.
His condescending rhetoric also dismisses McConathy‘s entire legacy — 39 years of guiding hundreds of young men to success, both on and off the court. About 90% of McConathy’s players graduated with a college degree. Of equal importance, they learned how to be men of character.
Here’s another thing Seabaugh doesn’t understand: McConathy’s roles at Northwestern State and Bossier Parish Community College never fit neatly within his actual job descriptions. He’s always been more than a coach — an ambassador of sorts, building relationships and coalitions of people from all walks of life. He’s also a man of deeply held faith, a community servant, a natural leader, a problem solver, and a tireless worker.
Given what I’ve seen of the clown show our Legislature can be at times, I think Seabaugh may be partially correct: Lawmaking in Louisiana really “ain’t” like coaching basketball. Coaching basketball appears to be much harder. Coaching is about molding young people into adults. Our Legislature is a place where adults often act like children.
I feel confident that McConathy won’t be outmatched. He’ll find a way to win, as he always has. And I know for certain he’ll represent his district with the integrity and class he’s displayed for decades.
Sincerely,
/s/
Gary S. DeBlieux
