Posted on 08/11/2006 8:23:45 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
BATON ROUGE, La. - U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (news, bio, voting record), whose Washington office was raided by the FBI amid a federal bribery investigation, will face a dozen challengers in the November election.
The official sign-up period for Louisiana's Nov. 7 congressional election ended Friday. In Louisiana, there are no earlier party primaries; if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote on Election Day, the top two go to a December runoff.
Although some are lesser-knowns, a few challengers carry significant name recognition, political ties and fundraising potential that could lead the eight-term Democrat into his first hard-fought race in years.
Several candidates said the New Orleans-based district needs someone focused on hurricane recovery, rather than a federal investigation that has embroiled Jefferson. Jefferson framed his opponents as opportunists who won't succeed in unseating him.
"I'm not going to be making any bets on how it turns out. This'll have a question mark right down to the end," said Elliott Stonecipher, a Louisiana-based demographic and political analyst.
Jefferson was accused of using his position to promote the sale of telecommunications equipment and services offered by iGate, a Louisville-based firm that sought contracts with African nations, and of soliciting bribes in return. The FBI said it found $90,000 stashed in a freezer in his home. Two men have been convicted as part of the scandal.
A federal appeals court temporarily delayed the bribery investigation while Jefferson challenges the legality of the unprecedented FBI raid on his Capitol Hill office.
Jefferson has not been charged with a crime and has denied wrongdoing, but was stripped of his seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee because of the investigation.
Challengers include state Rep. Karen Carter, state Sen. Derrick Shepherd, former New Orleans City Council member Troy Carter and Regina Bartholomew, a lawyer who has worked for the city's school board and the U.S. Department of Labor.
"Dollar" Bill needs a long vacation. Several of his family members are rumored to also be "dirty."
Jeff stands a very good chance of losing, however, it won't be to a Republican.
Dang! I could have gotten in on that sweet deal!
A long vacation in a tiny cell with Big Boy Bubba "Joe"
U. S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District
1 to be electedScott Barron, Democrat, Filed:08/11/06 5521 S. Miro St.,New Orleans, LA 70125, 504/460-2001 Regina Bartholomew, Democrat, Filed:08/09/06 1591 Maura Place,New Orleans, LA 70131, 504/361-3189 Eric T. Bradley, Republican, Filed:08/11/06 201 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 114-261,New Orleans, LA 70170, 206/902-6997 Karen Carter, Democrat, Filed:08/11/06 1215 Prytania St., #364A,New Orleans, LA 70130, 504/565-3058 Troy "C" Carter, Democrat, Filed:08/09/06 92 English Turn Dr.,New Orleans, LA 70131, 504/392-6213 Deven "D. C." Collins, Democrat, Filed:08/11/06 P. O. Box 318152,Baton Rouge, LA 70831, 504/288-6353 John Edwards, Democrat, Filed:08/11/06 P. O. Box 6785,New Orleans, LA 70174, 504/281-4900 William J. Jefferson, Democrat, Filed:08/09/06 1922 Marengo St.,New Orleans, LA 70115, 504/895-1339 Gregory W. "Rhumbline" Kahn, Libertarian, Filed:08/09/06 924 Governor Nicholls St.,New Orleans, LA 70116, 504/522-5000 Joseph "Joe" Lavigne, Republican, Filed:08/10/06 700 S. Peters #202,New Orleans, LA 70130, 504/571-1950 M. V. "Vinny" Mendoza, Democrat, Filed:08/09/06 3510 Ole Miss Dr.,Kenner, LA 70065, 504/913-3971 Derrick Shepherd, Democrat, Filed:08/09/06 2009 Ames Blvd.,Marrero, LA 70072, 504/349-3535 Lawrence William "Lance" von Uhde, III, Republican, Filed:08/11/06 4030 Vendome Pl.,New Orleans, LA 70125, 504/621-6692
The question is, WHEN WILL HE FACE CHARGES AND GO TO PRISON?
This is curious. From what I was hearing most were going to wait till he was indicted to run. I wonder if this is a case of a few people putting their hat in and suddenally every one felt they had too. Also does anyone have any indication how Romero is doing in the race next door
Im hoping for a mid October indictment,, but who knows how long this latest round will drag on..
I like Derrick Shepherd, he could beat him
This is curious. From what I was hearing most were going to wait till he was indicted to run.
Well let me clarify I thought they would wait till Indictment/conviction. At least most were. But I think Sheperds entry got some people into the race quick. I think Jefferson is in big trouble.
He's headed for a runoff for sure. With whom I have no idea.
When is Harry Connick Jr. gonna follow in his dad's footsteps and run for office? I have no idea what his positions are, but I'll give 10-1 odds his election night parties are the best in town.
When Jefferson was elected to Congress, he obviously thought he was "Movin' On Up."
The culture of the rat IS a culture of corruption.
I'm curious to know what the post Katrina population is in New Orleans. Since our representatives are based on population, I suppose N.O. will be overly represented until the next census.
I'm curious to know what the post Katrina population is in New Orleans. Since our representatives are based on population, I suppose N.O. will be overly represented until the next census.
What about this Lance Von Uhde fellow who's the only GOP candidate? What do we know about him and does he have a chance in that cesspool?
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