If it were up to Nagin, his power would continue until every resident was back living in NO (which will probably be never). In other words, he would be mayor for life. Works for him.
This past Wednesday night I was watching an open microphone time with NOLA council members who were on a committee to rebuild the city. Nagin was present. Residents were irate at how recovery was proceeding (or not proceeding in some cases). These residents were of every age and color. One lady urged her fellow citizens to vote with their conscience and not because of skin color (she happened to be black). Nagin was taking a pounding and, if those 90 minutes were any indication, his re-election is not a given -- even amongst his (hopefully former) base.