Six district residents have qualified to run for the vacant seat including state Rep. Simone Champagne, R-Jeanerette, New Iberia lawyer David Groner, Tea Party activist Ruben LeBlanc of New Iberia, state Rep. Fred Mills, R-Parks, New Iberia insurance agent Armond Schwing and helicopter cropduster Ken Squires of Jeanerette.

A three-part series kicks off today and includes biographical information on each candidate. In addition, the candidates were asked to tell district residents why they decided to run for the office.

Champagne said she is running for the seat because she believes the district needs a true conservative to represent its interests.

“As a mother of five and a grandmother of three, I’ve stretched a budget and done more with less,” Champagne said. “Shouldn’t our government do the same? Don’t you think you can spend your money better than the government? I know you can!”

Champagne said out-of-control spending at the state level must be stopped. Because of that belief, she voted against the “bloated” state budget in 2010 and supported legislation allowing Louisiana to opt out of the federal government’s health care mandate.

“It is time that the politicians remember who they are working for — you,” Champagne said. “That’s why I voted against the legislative pay raise, supported term limits for all elected officials and voted to strip retirement benefits from elected officials convicted of criminal behavior.”

Groner said he has complained for years about government, politics and taxes.

“Finally, I decided to stop complaining and get involved,” Groner said. “The most important thing I can offer people is a lot of common sense, a dislike for big government and a lifelong love of South Louisiana.”

Groner said if elected he would pledge to stop runaway spending in Baton Rouge and focus all of his energy on economic development in Iberia and St. Martin parishes.

He said no other candidate has the experience or successful track record for bringing new jobs and industry here.

Groner considers himself an independent and has no political party affiliation.

“Like the people I hope to represent, I’ve cast my lot with the future of our community,” Groner said. “Everything I have in this world, and the people I love the most are right here. I want to do the right thing to protect and ensure our future.”

Read the candidates responses in their entirety on The Daily Iberian’s Web site at www.iberianet.com.

LeBlanc and Mills will be featured in Thursday’s edition.