Posted on 10/25/2007 5:47:55 PM PDT by LdSentinal
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Bob Odom's withdrawal from the race for agriculture commissioner Thursday was the latest in a string of victories for Louisiana's Republican Party, which now controls five of seven statewide elected posts.
The change marks a power reversal for the GOP and the Democrats: Republicans are historically the underdogs in Louisiana, but have taken control of all five positions _ including governor _ in less than two years. Republicans could win a sixth statewide spot next month, in the runoff election for state attorney general.
Analysts said the shift makes sense, as conservative voters who once voted Democrat have become uneasy with some of the ideas coming from Democrats on Capitol Hill and those on the presidential campaign trail. Republican George Bush won two straight presidential campaigns in Louisiana, and David Vitter won his U.S. Senate seat outright in 2004, just as Bobby Jindal won the Governor's Mansion outright last weekend.
"Louisiana itself is a conservative state, and this is one of the things you note, whether you're in the Catholic south or the Protestant north," said John Sutherlin, a political scientist at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. "Social conservatism is something that both parts of the state can agree on."
The state Republican Party was jubilant at Odom's announcement, praising Mike Strain's victory over the seven-term incumbent.
"This is reflective of the measures that we've been trying to convey the past couple years, which is that Louisiana needs change, we need fresh ideas," said James Quinn, executive director of the state party.
Chris Whittington, head of the state Democratic Party, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Two of Strain's campaign mottos were "An Honest Conservative" and "A Real Leader for Reform" _ one slogan indicative of the Republican's policy positions, the other an implicit attack on Odom's main weakness: the Democrat had been the target of criminal and ethical allegations for years.
"What I think really happened here is the accumulation of ethics allegations weighed down (Odom's) campaign so heavily," Sutherlin said.
Republicans' statewide advance has occurred gradually, picking off major elective offices one by one:
_Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley, a Democrat, resigned in February, 2006. Wooley named his top deputy, Republican Jim Donelon, as his successor, making Donelon the only Republican in a statewide elected post. Donelon won a special election that year, and won a four-year term with a primary win on Saturday.
_Republican Jay Dardenne became Secretary of State in a September, 2006 special election, replacing Democratic incumbent Al Ater. Dardenne was elected to a four-year term in the primary on Saturday.
_Treasurer John Kennedy switched from the Democrats to the Republicans in August of this year. He won re-election on Saturday, running without opposition.
_Jindal won the governor's race on Saturday, beating two Democrats and an independent.
The Democrats still control the lieutenant governor's office: incumbent Mitch Landrieu won outright in Saturday's primary. In Congress, they have U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, and U.S. Reps. Charlie Melancon and William Jefferson.
Democrats also control the Legislature, though their control of the House depends on next month's runoff elections.
Both parties have a candidate in the race to replace Democratic Attorney General Charles Foti: Republican Royal Alexander faces Democrat James "Buddy" Caldwell in a Nov. 17 runoff.
Karl Rove’s Katrina plan comes to fruition.
Nice for LA, but the real issue (for the rest of us) is the LA senate seat next year. Can republicans defeat Mary Landrieu (D-corrupt) ?
This is the best pick-up opportunity for GOP and absolutely crucial, given the GOP retirements elsewhere.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
BO has been running this state into the ground for waaaaay too long now.
I suppose Jindals election has him scared of getting caught this time.
I love your picture but in all honesty shouldn’t you give credit to AlGore for the use of the “sock” in the tights?
Nah, guess not. Karl’s looks a bit smaller than Al’s.
:)
Moon Griffon will be thrilled.
Saw Bobby Jindal on TV today being interviewed and the guy is great. He talked about how the GOP lost in 2006 because they forgot about their Conservative values. I hope the current crop of GOP candidates are listening.
This guy is definitely Presidential material.
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