New Iberian City Councilman David Broussard, campaigning for re-election in District 3 against former City Councilman Robert Suire, has passed out in his campaign materials, a photocopied letter of support for his “baby,” the railroad overpass, from U.S. Sen. David Vitter.

At the bottom, after a message from Broussard, are photocopied business cards from state Sen. Troy Hebert, D-Jeanerette, and state Rep. Taylor Barras, D-New Iberia.

Suire is concerned this makes it look as though the three legislators are endorsing Broussard.

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“It is my understanding (New Iberia) is in dire need of a rail grade separation due to a serious problem in the area with access across the railroad tracks,” says the letter from Vitter, sent to the state Division of Administration. “I ... ask that you give your full consideration to the above referenced proposal.”

At the bottom of the letter, Broussard wrote “Help U.S. Senator David Vitter and Your City Councilman David Broussard for District 3 contact your Louisiana Legislative Delegation for additional state funds to access hospitals on north side of railroad tracks.”

After that, he photocopied both Barras’ and Hebert’s business cards, complete with contact information.

“It makes it look like everyone’s endorsing him,” said Suire. “I think it’s misleading the people. He’s putting it on there like they’re supporting him.”

“It’s not endorsing,” said Broussard. “(Vitter) is endorsing the overpass. ... I didn’t change one word (of the letter).”

Broussard said after a request from Barras’ office about a week ago, he sent a copy of the letter to both Barras and Hebert, and neither has contacted him about it since.

He started handing out the letter more than two weeks ago.

“If I have something like that, darn straight I’m going to toot the horn,” said Broussard.

Hebert said he had heard about the letter and had it at his office, though he had not seen it personally.

“That’s a local race. I’m not involved with that race,” he said. “I got my hands full with my own politics.”

Hebert said he does, however, support the railroad overpass.

“If Senator Vitter wants to send money, I’m all for it,” he said. “But I also recognize that there are many other priorities in the parish.”

Barras did not return three phone messages from The Daily Iberian Thursday.

“I’m just trying to get the people to contact these delegates,” said Broussard.

In hindsight, he said, it might have been better simply to write their names and contact numbers.