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Regular Session, 2014
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 175
BY SENATOR ALARIO
CONDOLENCES. Express condolences upon the death of John Maginnis, legendary
Louisiana political journalist, publisher, and author.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
passing of John Maginnis, legendary Louisiana political journalist, publisher, and3
author.4
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sadness that the Legislature of5
Louisiana has learned of the death of John Maginnis on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the age6
of sixty-six; and7
WHEREAS, born on March 17, 1948, John was a newsman from the very start,8
delivering The State-Times on his bike after school, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic9
School and Catholic High School Baton Rouge, where he began his writing career with a10
regular column in the high school newsletter; and11
WHEREAS, at Louisiana State University, John was editor of The Daily Reveille,12
in which he published a daily column, and he was inducted in 2000 into the Hall of Fame13
of the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication; and14
WHEREAS, following his graduation from college and service in the United States15
Navy, John returned to Baton Rouge in 1972, which marked Edwin Edwards' first term as16
governor, and John's thoughts were, "Why leave Louisiana? Great Place. Good story"; forty-17
two years later, upon John's death, Governor Edwards noted that John "played an important18 SCR NO. 175
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role in monitoring the affairs of our state and always called it as he saw it"; and 1
WHEREAS, it was in 1972 when John entered the realm of Louisiana political2
journalism with the publication of Gris Gris magazine, and he continued carving out his role3
as the state's foremost figure in this arena with the Louisiana Political Review, which4
evolved in the 1990s into The Fax Weekly, was shortly thereafter renamed LaPolitics5
Weekly, and is now published by twenty-one media outlets around the state; and6
WHEREAS, John was a mentor to younger journalists, and in recent years, he7
expanded his extremely popular and influential column and its digital counterpart,8
LaPolitics.com, by adding new staff, developing media partnerships, and broadening its9
editorial scope; and10
WHEREAS, in addition to his achievements as a publisher and journalist, John11
authored three books about Louisiana politics, The Last Hayride, Cross to Bear, and The12
Politics of Reform, all of which helped make his name synonymous with Louisiana politics;13
and14
WHEREAS, because of his genuine warmth, likeable demeanor, and unwavering15
fairness, people liked and trusted John, and he cultivated sources throughout state16
government; he did not take sides or use his notebook as a pulpit for any one agenda over17
another, as his passion was not partisanship but politics and, of course, Louisiana's colorful18
political personalities; and19
WHEREAS, United States Representative Steve Scalise noted John's "unique talent20
for telling a story in a way that made it come to life for his readers"; his columns truly21
needed no byline, as he had a way with words that was his own; he conveyed news, but it22
was news informed by his signature analysis, insights, and comedic touch, and his writings23
had a depth and breadth that made his work invaluable to his readers and a fundamental part24
of the historical record of politics in this state; and25
WHEREAS, though widely respected, admired, and regarded as the gold standard26
in his field, John remained soft spoken and humble; while he often responded to27
compliments of his work by saying, "I owe it all to the material", the citizens of Louisiana28
know that we owe much of our political knowledge to John; his influence extended far29
beyond the borders of this state, as he was a featured speaker for civic groups and other30 SCR NO. 175
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organizations across the Gulf Coast, and when national journalists needed a source on1
Louisiana politics, John was the "go-to" person because for the better part of half a century,2
there has simply been no one more identified with Louisiana political journalism than John3
Maginnis; and 4
WHEREAS, John's career spanned the terms of five governors, including Governor5
Bobby Jindal, who stated upon John's passing, "It's safe to say he is the historian on6
Louisiana politics"; and7
WHEREAS, United States Senator Mary Landrieu also paid tribute to John when8
commenting, "Louisiana has lost its premier political commentator ... John was largely9
responsible for making politics Louisiana's second-favorite pastime, just after football"; and10
WHEREAS, in addition to his highly significant professional contributions, John was11
a vibrant example of one who enthusiastically embraced the priorities of a life fully lived,12
especially through his dedication to his wife and extended family; and13
WHEREAS, John married late in life when he found the very special Jackie14
Drinkwater, and they made their home in Baton Rouge while spending many weekends in15
New Orleans, a city that was close to his heart; and16
WHEREAS, known both for his strong work ethic and his gregarious personality,17
John balanced his professional responsibilities during the work week with his attendance at18
social gatherings, and weekends found him unwinding in the Crescent City with his beloved19
Jackie, relaxing at their condominium and strolling through the French Quarter; and20
WHEREAS, with his brilliant mind, his keen sense of humor, his genuinely kind21
heart, and the twinkle in his eye, John Maginnis represented all that is good about this state;22
the very embodiment of joie de vivre, he loved Louisiana, loved life, and most of all, loved23
his family, including Jackie, his brother, Michael John Maginnis, his sisters, Renee Maginnis24
Dole and Kathleen Maginnis Bierman, his nieces and nephews, who will deeply miss "Uncle25
Johnny", and his cousins and other relatives, all of whom will cherish memories of times26
spent with John and of the love and laughter he brought to their lives; and27
WHEREAS, though John's death leaves a tremendous void in this state and what28
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco describes as "a great hole at the Capitol", where he29
was a constant fixture and an institution unto himself, he will always be highly regarded for30 SCR NO. 175
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earning the trust and admiration of the state's lawmakers and respected for his integrity by1
those who walk these halls; and2
WHEREAS, it is only appropriate to take proper notice of the singular3
accomplishments of John Maginnis and to express the immense pride of the people of this4
state in this wonderful gentleman who will be immeasurably missed but certainly never5
forgotten.6
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby7
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of John Maginnis, legendary8
Louisiana journalist, publisher, and author, does hereby recognize that his legacy of9
excellence and professionalism shall forever endure, and does hereby record for posterity10
the abiding appreciation of the citizens of Louisiana for his extraordinary contributions.11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to12
John's wife, Jackie Drinkwater-Maginnis.13
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Thomas L. Tyler.
DIGEST
Alario SCR No. 175
Expresses condolences upon the death of John Maginnis, legendary Louisiana political
journalist, publisher, and author.