Replies

"I can understand his frustration of being denied that slot (and quite possibly, a victory)"

DJ, you and I both know that, unfortunately, David Thibodeaux would not have defeated Chris John in 1996. They had September primaries and November run-offs back then, and not only did Clinton carry the 7th CD quite comfortably, Landrieu probably did so as well in her first Senate run.

Thibodeaux ran for the House in 1996 and lost. I believe he ran again in either 1998 or 2000 and lost again. Currently, he appears to be well behind in the polls, and might play the spoiler for Dr. Boustany's chance to become the first Republican since Reconstruction (correct me if I'm wrong) to be elected to the House from the district (although Congressman Jimmy Hayes switched to the GOP in 1995). I think Thibodeaux has no choice but to be gracious and drop out of the race.

"DJ, you and I both know that, unfortunately, David Thibodeaux would not have defeated Chris John in 1996. They had September primaries and November run-offs back then, and not only did Clinton carry the 7th CD quite comfortably, Landrieu probably did so as well in her first Senate run."

Well, you never know, he might've pulled off an upset. The big mistake was made by Jimmy Hayes, who shouldn't have left his seat for a failed Senate run. Also, according to Barone, Woody Jenkins did carry the 7th (it was Landrieu's questionable margins in Morial's N.O. that accounted for her victory). You are correct, if Boustany wins, he will be the first elected Republican in that district since Reconstruction.