Displaying items by tag: Louisiana governor's race

The results of the primary election on October 12 showed that Louisiana voters were rather interested in this campaign and the candidates. Either they realize that Louisiana is not doing well economically and want change, or they want four more years of John Bel Edwards as Governor. Regardless, 200,000 more voters participated in this election than in the 2015 election. It is a good sign that turnout increased despite a major LSU vs. Florida football game scheduled for Election Day.

With the Louisiana statewide election only a few days away, and with many voters already making their way to the polls, it would seem to be a good time for me to gaze into my crystal ball and make a prediction of just who will be successful after all the vote are tallied.  As many of you regular reader well know, I generally am right on the money. (yeah, right!)

This Saturday is a big day for Louisiana.  Voters will choose the person to serve as our state’s governor for the next four years.  My vote goes to Gov. John Bel Edwards.

When Gov. Edwards assumed office nearly four years ago, he inherited a fiscal nightmare that was worse than anyone realized.  It was a $2 billion deficit that the state had to remedy.  

For months I have been imploring President Donald Trump to get involved in the Louisiana Governor’s race before the primary election. Initially, it was reported that he would only come to Louisiana for the run-off election.

However, it soon was apparent to this commentator that without the President’s involvement, liberal Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards would probably win the election on October 12 by achieving 50% or more of the votes, thus precluding the need for a run-off election.

With the Louisiana statewide election only a few days away, and with many voters already making their way to the polls, it would seem to be a good time for me to gaze into my crystal ball and make a prediction of just who will be successful after all the vote are tallied.  As many of you regular reader well know, I generally am right on the money. (yeah, right!)

After the start of early voting and days before Election Day, President Donald Trump decided to intervene in the Louisiana Governor’s race. The intent of his Tuesday morning tweet was unmistakable. He wants to help both Republican candidates, businessman Eddie Rispone and U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham, and force incumbent Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards into a “runoff.” The President urged Republicans to vote for “either” of the candidates, referring to them as “both Great.”  

In politics, negative commercials are typical. Experts believe that it works, not in boosting turnout for the candidate attacking, but in reducing support for the candidate on the receiving end.

Thus, voters see it in almost every race. Although consultants, candidates and voters claim they do not like this form of political persuasion, it is pervasive, especially when challengers are trying to catch up to a leading candidate.

As a political issue in the Louisiana governor's race, how important is e-cigarettes or vaping? What about the Louisiana budget and corporate taxes?

These three issues started the first televised statewide debate Thursday night as Democrat incumbent governor, John Bel Edwards clashed with two Republicans--Congressman Ralph Abraham and businessman Eddie Rispone over these and other issues.

The debate was hosted by LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication and Nexstar Media Group TV stations, airing around the state on radio and television and online.

In an interview today (approximately 3:36:30 mark) on the Ringside Politics radio show, M-F 7-11 a.m. CT WGSO 990-AM & www.Wgso.com, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise expressed his displeasure with the new attack ad launched by GOP gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone against fellow Republican candidate, U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham. Scalise said “I don’t think Republicans should be attacking Republicans.”

On Monday, Rispone scorched Abraham in a commercial airing on statewide media markets. The ad hits Abraham for missing too many votes in Congress and not following through on a commitment to donate his congressional salary. It also claims that Abraham used his congressional salary to purchase a $500,000 airplane. In addition, the commercial ties Abraham to Nancy Pelosi, noting that they have voted together 300 times, and mentions that he backed away from President Trump after the “Access Hollywood” recording was released.

Remember the days when candidates for U.S Senator or Governor would speak to thousands of supporters at weekend rallies all over Louisiana? Huey Long was the master, mainly because he promised he’d give voters just about anything they wanted. A long line of colorful politicians followed in Huey’s wake. But those days seem to be long gone and forgotten.