His opponent, Democrat John Bel Edwards, is using the state police security.
Advertisement
If Edwards can climb to 50 percent in the November 21 runoff, and if Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway can win that state’s gubernatorial race – both outcomes that would reflect current polling – Democrats will have waged unusual comebacks in states that loudly rejected Barack Obama for president. “Come on over!” Edwards said, earning the raucous approval of the crowd.
Vitter received 23% of the votes. He’s pro-gun and anti-abortion, and comes from a family of sheriffs.
David Vitter has turned down an offer of state police security leading up to the runoff election for Governor. Angelle, a French-speaking native of Breaux Bridge with a thick Cajun accent, positioned himself as the conservative candidate without a prostitution scandal, saying he wanted a strong economy with “more people pulling the wagon and fewer people riding”. He added: “John Bel Edwards is not a casual supporter of Barack Obama”.
Editor’s note: Republican U.S. Sen.
Gov. Jay Dardenne, both Republicans, split the anti-Vitter vote in Saturday’s election, allowing Vitter to secure a spot in the runoff.
Minutes later, it was Vitter’s turn at the podium. In 2010, Vitter was able to get past the “D.C. madam” scandal as Republicans rallied behind an anti-Obama candidate.
Four statewide incumbents, all Republicans, cruised to re-election in their races: Secretary of State Tom Schedler, Treasurer John Kennedy, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain. His critics reminded voters that Angelle was Jindal’s chief legislative lobbyist, tying him to the unpopular governor. “Baton Rouge is broken and dysfunctional, and there are no adult leaders there taking on the big challenges”, Vitter said in one of only two TV debates he attended. He has a West Point degree and military background. “I feel great about convincing Jay’s and Scott’s supporters to join our team”.
WWL political analyst Clancy Dubos said Vitter had been moving in the wrong direction since the summer and predicted a spirited battle as he and Edwards battle it out in the coming weeks.
All the more evidence that Republicans – and their willingness to vote for a Democrat – will decide who will become Louisiana’s next governor.
Advertisement
My guess is Dardenne voters, collectively more moderate than Angelle’s, will have an easier time joining the “anyone but Vitter” camp.
