Edwards faces Republican U.S. Sen. So we had to ask the two candidates running for governor what they would do to help colleges and universities in our state.
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The nonpartisan Cook Political Report changed its rating in the race last week to leaning Democratic given Vitter’s slide. With Republicans controlling all statewide offices and the legislature, the runoff was expected to be a formality. However Vitter’s fate isn’t sealed, despite trailing Edwards by double digits in most polls since they both advanced to the runoff in October.
Vitter has been cited by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington three separate times as among the “most corrupt” legislators in Washington, D.C. Among the reasons: he paid his cousin with political action committee funds, was admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee for actions that undermined a “basic principal of government service”, and that he likely violated state prostitution laws.
In southern Louisiana’s Bayou Country, hair stylist Lindsey Champagne was uncertain about supporting a Democrat, fearing higher taxes. “Our economy depends on it”, Vitter said.
“Hell no”, she said. “I feel great about where we are and where we’re headed tomorrow”.
Edwards, 49, has a resume that once easily got Democrats elected in Louisiana. The Republican has consistently tried to tie Edwards to President Barack Obama. “Because it’s been eight years of a Republican governor, and because it’s not a presidential election year, it’s an environment a little more conducive to a Democratic candidate”.
His pitch to voters focuses on not being Vitter. He has accused Vitter of mischaracterizing his position.
The tagline: “David Vitter chose prostitutes over patriots”. He then acknowledged simply a “serious sin”.
The number of voters casting early ballots is up over the gubernatorial election four years ago, a trend that usually favors Democrats.
“Louisiana is a conservative place”.
“They are looking for an environment and an economy where they can find a good-paying job and stay in Louisiana”, Mann said. Vitter hammered Edwards in recent commercials, accusing him of supporting President Obama’s controversial policy of relocating Syrian refugees to Louisiana. Edwards called the jabs desperate and said he wanted to stop the entry of refugees into Louisiana.
Voter turnout could be key.
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Edwards has scheduled his event at Hotel Monteleone on 214 Royal St.in New Orleans.
