Local political organizers are excited to be heading back to Washington, D.C., for the second inauguration for President Barack Obama.  For some there will be a seat close enough to see Monday’s formal swearing in, while others will dance the night away at a local inauguration ball.

U.S. Rep. John Fleming, R-Minden, who represents northwest Louisiana, received 525 requests for the 196 tickets he was given to distribute. The tickets were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, said Fleming staffer Doug Sachtleben. The communications director said the congressman would not release the list of those receiving the tickets.

“Those who requested tickets were not asked for consent to having their names given to media,’’ he said in an email response to a request from  KTBS.
An estimated 1.8 million people attended President Obama's first inauguration back in 2009. For Dr. Artis Cash this is his second chance to witness history. He and several other ministers are coordinating a bus ride to bring local citizens to what he believes may be a once in a lifetime event. A part of the package for Cash is eight tickets into the inauguration from Congressman Fleming. 
Cash says those eight tickets will get the lucky holder into one of four sections that will give them pretty good view of the swearing in.
This is also state Rep. Barbara Norton's second inauguration. The Shreveport Democrat sees this as a historic day for two reasons. She is proud of how this day just like that day four years ago united our country. And Norton says she is inspired by the achievements of the president, adding that she's grateful for the chance to witness history for the second time.
The Grambling State Marching Band will also make the trip back to D.C. to play in the parade.
An added wrinkle for this inauguration weekend is that Monday's event will be purely ceremonial. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office on Sunday, Jan. 20, just before noon, the time the Constitution says Obama's second term begins. Because that is Sunday, the ceremonial swearing in at the U.S. Capitol will be on Monday. That's also a national holiday -- the day set aside to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Obama will be the seventh president or president-elect to confront a Sunday inauguration date.
If you need tickets to the ball, call Don Rushon at 318-469-0617 or 318-222-8010. 

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