Well, I mean there hasn't been much of an Orleans Parish GOP to begin with. There aren't any names mentioned as a potential GOP candidate for the seat at this point. As you well put it, the "marquee" race is the Mayor's race. More than likely, it seems the White Democrats are going to attempt to take the city's political apparatus back. I wonder if Peggy Wilson would be better off trying for the House seat, since Mitch Landrieu may be too formidable...
Peggy Wilson is a nightmare. She runs as a Republican b/c she lives in Lakeview (the only GOP stronghold) and her base is old blue haired ladies in the Garden District. She reminds me of a female southern version of Michael Bloomberg. Her politics are mish mash of policies that sort of favor rich people but are genelly just meant to screw up your average person's day.
Her radio spots for mayor are excellent and well produced. It's a stinging indictment of Nagin. Nonetheless, there are two excellent conservative candidates for Mayor. Rob COuhig, who is a great guy but has no chance and Ron Forman who was raised a substantial amount of money and should make the runoff against Mitch Landrieu.
I wouldn't be shocked for Couhig to use the Mayor's race to get some name recognition and then take on Jefferson.