Louisiana state Sen. Elbert Guillory is a “newly minted Republican.”

Born in Louisiana, Guillory’s video launched on May 31 calling for more blacks to leave the Democratic Party has launched him to national prominence.

“The Democrat Party had moved far away from basic American values, and they have moved away from the values held by most of my constituents and, of course, the values held by my heart,” he said in explaining his decision.

Guillory cited the issues of marriage, the definition of family, gun ownership, abortion and prayer. “The Democrat Party has just moved so far to the left on all of those, that they have just left us behind,” he said.

A graduate of Rutgers Law, Guillory served in the U.S. Navy, spent forty-three years in government and legal work and eight years in the state Senate. He also sounds open to seeking higher office.

In this interview, he diagnosed the problems facing the place where he grew up.

“My neighborhood suffers from a little too much help right now,” Guillory said.

Talking of the changes to his black neighborhood since the 1950s, he spoke of “the destruction of our self-esteem; the destruction of our initiative, the loss of our get-up-and go. Every man in that neighborhood when I was growing up had drive.”

Guillory hearkened back to when people would say someone was “working like a black man.”

“That was one of the highest compliments that could have been paid to someone,” he explained. “It meant that you were really producing, you’re really working, you’re sweating, you’re giving it your all. Not any more. That concept and that phrase have both passed from the American consciousness.”

“Democrat policies over the last thirty years, forty years have created a government plantation, and we are all, most of the folks in my community, are dependent on that plantation, held there by these government handouts,” he said, while acknowledging the need for a safety net for those in need.

Guillory even showed off his signature Cajun alligator boots that he is often seen wearing.

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In an earlier segment, Elbert Guillory explained why he voted for President Obama in 2008, but not in 2012.

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