(US Rep. David) Vitter (LA-01) Announces Run For Senate (Breaux's Seat)

The Advertiser ^ | December 17, 2003 | AP

[Pubbie]

"I wonder if he has made a deal to keep them buried, considering the guy who knows the info is a pubbie."

Maybe it's because John has skeletons in his closet too? - so perhaps John and Vitter have some sort of Mutually Assured Destruction Pact???

"I know nothing about North Louisiana. But I am flummoxed as to why there was no support for Jindal in that area."

It's because Jindal was the wrong skin color sadly - however Vitter won't have that problem.

[SMGFan]

So, how responsible will you hold Bush to discourage ticket splitters? If Bush carries Louisiana and The GOP doesn't get a pickup I will partially blame Bush. But that is just my feelings.

[Pubbie]

Bush will campaign extensively with Vitter - if Vitter loses it won't be Bush's fault for not trying.

[deport]

So, how responsible will you hold Bush to discourage ticket splitters?

---

Ticket splitters in LA is what you need for a Republican to win.... The democrats outnumber the Republicans about 2 to 1.

[Clintonfatigued]

Does anyone remember the 1986 Senate election in Louisiana, when the late Russell Long retired? Republicans rallied around then-Congressman Henson Moore. He was heavily funded, like David Vitter is now. But Moore faced John Breaux, a 'Rat Congressman with a moderate-to-conservative record, a strong base in southwestern Louisiana, and a combination of charm and astuteness. Very much like Chris John. Breaux defeated Moore by 53% to 47% that year. With the dynamics nearly identical this time around, what reason is there to believe that David Vitter will do any better against Chris John?

[Pubbie]

"what reason is there to believe that David Vitter will do any better against Chris John?"

[Clintonfatigued]

Actually, that is a valid point. I forgot to figure that in.

[Kuksool]

The New Orleans suburbs have more people now than they had in 1986. Chris John's base in Cajun Country is a huge advantage. I think the tiebreaker lies in North LA. The voters up there could go either way.

[deport]

Everyone seems to be convinced that John is the Democrat candidate to beat... I still believe it's possible that Ieyoub may be in this race and with his three statewide wins as Attorney General will have the potential backing of many parish sherrifs and DAs... In addition if he gets in he'll split the SW La vote with John.

We'll see how it shakes out soon as it won't take too long to see where the money will flow to and those will be the contenders.

[Pubbie]

Oh ye of little faith!!!

: D

[Kuksool]

We could have won the LA-07 if it weren't for that recount in the jungle primary of 1996. John finished 1st with 26%. The Pubbie, Thibodaux, placed 2nd. However, a recount put the RAT Hunter Lundy in 2nd and bumped Thibodaux to 3rd. Thus, the RATS were guaranteed a House seat in the general election. If Thibodaux won the LA-07 in 1996, we would be talking about him as the heir to Breaux's Senate seat. He certainly has the last name for statewide appeal.

[deport]

I'm sure John would have the backing of Breaux and what's left of the Edwards group since they are all from Crowley.

But I still think Ieyoub could be somewhat of a spoiler. True he lost both the races you mentioned by coming in 3rd in each while garnering about 230,000 in the Gov. race and a little over 250,000 in the Senate race. Blanco got just over 250,000 in the primary so he's capabile of drawing statewide which John hasn't proven yet. He did after all win three statewide Attorney General races.

Now if I had to put money on the race between Ieyoub and John it would be on John. My only point is there are other options out there that haven't been decided or closed off as of yet.

[deport]

• Will Bobby Jindal enter the Senate race now?
• Four Louisiana Congressiona Seats in Play

[AuH2ORepublican]

"With the dynamics nearly identical this time around, what reason is there to believe that David Vitter will do any better against Chris John?"

---

It's 2004, not 1986. Voting Democrat is no longer as reflexive as it used to be for white Louisianans. While I agree with you that Chris John is a formidable candidate, there's no way he'll win by 6% in 2004 (for the record, Vitter won't win by as much as 6% either). The race will most likely go down to the wire, and I just hope that Vitter can get to 50%+1 in November so that we can avoid a Bush-less run-off in December.

[No Dems 2004]

Well, I personally think that after 2 failed attempts by the Louisiana GOP to buck the norm by nominating minority or female candidates for powerful statewide offices (Terrell and Jindal), attempting to run the conventional white male candidate is probably the best choice.

Congressman Vitter has had no problem winning his first District in recent election years. Let's sure hope he wins. It may not be easy.

[votelife]

between this and Thune probably running against Daschle, the Senate's looking a lot better!

[Princeliberty]

I don't think Jindal lives in that district.

Is it true that Foster wants Jindal to run against
Vitter?

I understand that scum Foster would rather see a Democrat
win that see Vitter win.

[Princeliberty]

I would think there are strong conservatives in Vitter's
district would could run without having to move.