NEW ORLEANS, LA – Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser sounded the alarm Tuesday, warning that the federal “Operation Swamp Sweep” crackdown could pose a devastating threat to Louisiana’s most cherished cultural institution, which is, of course, his own statewide buffet circuit.
Nungesser, who has built an entire political identity around showing up unannounced at festivals to consume anything battered, dipped, smoked, boiled, or casually on fire, said the raids risk “destabilizing Louisiana’s food economy,” a phrase he reportedly used while double-fisting a plate of cracklins and something fried beyond recognition.
According to his office, Nungesser fears that removing even a small percentage of “colorful characters” could lead to fewer booths, fewer samples, and a catastrophic decline in the number of free meals he receives per day. “You arrest these folks and suddenly who’s left to hand me my eighth bowl of gumbo?” he asked, gesturing with a corndog like it was a laser pointer.
Tourism officials privately admitted the Lt. Governor has “a very personal stake” in the matter, noting that he averages 14 festivals a weekend and has not paid for his own lunch since 2017.
