Changes

On November 24, 2001, Capella narrowly won a low-turnout [[special election]] to succeed Republican Representative [[Jim Donelon]], who resigned effective June 30 to become the assistant state insurance commissioner under J. Robert Wooley, a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]]. When Wooley later resigned as commissioner, Donelon moved up to the top spot on an interim basis and was elected in 2006 to the position, which he still holds. Capella polled 1,861 votes (50.6 percent) to runner-up fellow Republican Dianna Dyer's 1,489 (40.5 percent). Two other candidates held the remaining 9 percent of the ballots cast.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, November 24, 2001.}}</ref>​

On November 24, 2001, Capella narrowly won a low-turnout [[special election]] to succeed Republican Representative [[Jim Donelon]], who resigned effective June 30 to become the assistant state insurance commissioner under J. Robert Wooley, a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]]. When Wooley later resigned as commissioner, Donelon moved up to the top spot on an interim basis and was elected in 2006 to the position, which he still holds. Capella polled 1,861 votes (50.6 percent) to runner-up fellow Republican Dianna Dyer's 1,489 (40.5 percent). Two other candidates held the remaining 9 percent of the ballots cast.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, November 24, 2001.}}</ref>​

Capella's abbreviated term in the House corresponded with the second administration of Republican Governor [[Mike Foster|Murphy James Foster, Jr.]], who credited Capella with saving the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS scholarships, adopted in 1998 and named for its key proponent, New Orleans businessman [[Patrick F. Taylor]]. The program particularly benefits the middle class. Capella was a member of the House Insurance and Judiciary committees. He co-authored the Louisiana Anti-Terrorism Act and worked for the rights of military service personnel. He sponsored the creation of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Restoration and Conservation. He worked to obtain economic development projects for municipalities.<ref name=bteca/>​

Capella's abbreviated term in the House corresponded with the second administration of Republican Governor [[Mike Foster|Murphy James Foster, Jr.]], who credited Capella with saving the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS scholarships, adopted in 1998 and named for its key proponent, New Orleans businessman Patrick F. Taylor (1937-2004). The program particularly benefits the middle class. Capella was a member of the House Insurance and Judiciary committees. He co-authored the Louisiana Anti-Terrorism Act and worked for the rights of military service personnel. He sponsored the creation of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Coastal Restoration and Conservation. He worked to obtain economic development projects for municipalities.<ref name=bteca/>​

A victim of [[redistricting]] adverse to his political interest, Capella did not seek reelection to the House to a full term and was succeeded by a Democrat, Cheryl Gray. Instead he was narrowly elected in 2003 to an at-large position on the Jefferson Parish Council. He unseated the veteran Division B member, Edmond Joseph "Ed" Muniz, by 973 votes: 65,721 (50.4 percent) to 64,748 (49.6 percent).<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns (Jefferson Parish), November 15, 2003.</ref>​

A victim of [[redistricting]] adverse to his political interest, Capella did not seek reelection to the House to a full term and was succeeded by a Democrat, Cheryl Gray. Instead he was narrowly elected in 2003 to an at-large position on the Jefferson Parish Council. He unseated the veteran Division B member, Edmond Joseph "Ed" Muniz, by 973 votes: 65,721 (50.4 percent) to 64,748 (49.6 percent).<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns (Jefferson Parish), November 15, 2003.</ref>​