There might be at least one ounce of retribution taken against so-called Democrats who voted for CAFTA. In a shocker, Bill “I Keep $90,000 In My Freezer” Jefferson was denied the endorsement by state party leaders in Louisiana.

In an extraordinary vote against an incumbent congressman, Louisiana Democratic Party leaders on Saturday endorsed state Rep. Karen Carter of New Orleans for the 2nd District House seat held since 1991 by Rep. William Jefferson, whose campaign for re-election has been hampered by a federal bribery investigation.

In a meeting at the Old State Capitol, the party’s state Central Committee voted 69-53 to endorse Carter in the Nov. 7 election after hearing appeals from Carter and Jefferson, the only two candidates who received nominations for the endorsement.

While Carter celebrated the vote as an important statement against unethical behavior, Jefferson lashed out not only at Carter but also at stalwarts of the state Democratic Party establishment, including former U.S. Sens. John Breaux and Bennett Johnston, who Jefferson said were behind Carter’s endorsement.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a rebuke against his vote for CAFTA but rather a recognition that there is something a bit unsavory–not to mention, stupid–about a member of Congress who apparently believes you can store $90K in your freezer and not attract attention. I advocated that someone run against Jefferson and, while I don’t know Karen Carter’s labor record, it should be a cause for concern that she is a darling of the Democratic Leadership Council. Should Carter actually defeat Jefferson, I’m not sure that we’re looking at a better vote on so-called “free trade.”