‘Duck Dynasty’ star Willie Robertson responds to Congress rumors

“Duck Dynasty� fans know that Willie Robertson likes being in power, but that doesn’t mean he has his designs on a political career -- not yet, anyway.

On Tuesday, the Washington Examiner reported that unnamed “key Republican operatives� were eager to enlist Robertson to run in a special election for the seat being vacated by departing Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-La.). The congressman represents Louisiana’s 5th district, which includes Robertson’s hometown of West Monroe.

But in a visit later that afternoon to Fox News’ “The Five,� Robertson shot down the rumor, which, regardless of its veracity, has popped up at a convenient time: “Duck Dynasty� returns to A&E for a fourth season Wednesday at 10.

“I heard today that I was doing that,� he said, regarding the supposed plan to get him to enter the race. “Interesting. It’s news to me.�

“I’m kinda busy right now,� he added. “I’ve got a lot of stuff going on.�

When reached for comment by The Times, Alexander’s office would say only that the congressman, who has met both Robertson and his Uncle Si, is a fan of the series and is “proud of the positive attention� it has brought to Ouachita Parish.

While Robertson may not have his sights set on a D.C. career just yet, he did not shy away from talking politics during his appearance.

He expressed his hope that Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal would run for president in 2016, calling him “my guy.�

This is not the first time Robertson’s name has been floated in connection with politics: As an avid hunter and gun owner, Robertson was reportedly under consideration earlier this year for the board of the National Rifle Assn.

On “The Five,� he expressed support for background checks -- a viewpoint that might displease some members of the powerful gun rights group.

“I have a lot of weapons, and every time I have to fill out the paperwork,� he said matter-of-factly.

When asked, Robertson also said he had been offended by then-presidential candidate Barack Obama’s 2008 remarks saying some Americans in depressed areas “cling to guns and religion� in lieu of economic opportunity.

Ultimately, though, Robertson seemed more interested in striking a bipartisan note than in waging a political fight, pointing to the far-reaching success of his own show -- the most popular program in the history of A&E and one of cable TV’s biggest hits -- as evidence that Americans can still agree on some things.

“I see people more together. I see ‘em liking ‘Duck Dynasty,’ so that brings the country together. It really does, ‘cause this show, it’s funny, it breaks through all the demographics,� he said.

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