Posted on 12/09/2006 8:16:52 PM PST by LdSentinal
Congressman William Jefferson has been re-elected to Congress, according to WWL-TV election analyst Greg Rigamer.
With two-thirds of the vote counted, Jefferson had a 6,000-vote lead over challenger Karen Carter.
"I'm a little worried about what this is going to say to the nation," said City Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, a Carter supporter.
Jefferson was forced into the runoff against a fellow Democrat when he failed to win 50 percent of the vote in a crowded open multiparty primary. His opponent, state Rep. Karen Carter, is seeking to become the first black woman from Louisiana elected to Congress.
Jefferson, 59, has been handicapped by a wide-ranging investigation into allegations that he took bribes – including $90,000 allegedly found in his freezer during an FBI raid -- from a company seeking lucrative contracts in the Nigerian telecommunications market. He has not been charged with any crime and denies any wrongdoing.
The scandal turned the race into a debate largely divided along racial lines, an age-old dynamic in this city that has intensified since Hurricane Katrina displaced large numbers of blacks and upended their demographic and political dominance.
Whites, who overwhelmingly voted for Carter in the primary and have been her most enthusiastic financial backers, believe a Jefferson win would confirm this city's image as corrupt and untrustworthy as it asks the nation to fund its recovery from Katrina.
"He was re-elected by a large margin."
Actually, when all votes were counted, Menendez was reelected by 53% to 47%, good enough but not a landslide. Considering how well the Democrats did in the northeast this year, it's not an impressive win.
Even her heinous got few votes this time than her previous election. Lots of folks stayed home.
I've decided to run as a Democrat for Congress...
As long as I promise to keep my bribe money in the freezer, and promise to give the sheeple Free Plasma TV's and BMW's, as well as an increased Minimum Wage, I'll SURELY Get elected, right??
Just THINK of all the things you could do as a Democrat Congessman today!
Chase 16/17 year old tail without fear of recrimination, land deals, stock deals, book deals, why, I'll be STINKIN' RICH in no time!!
Who cares about all those Tax thingy's, and the $12 Big Mac, as long a "Survivor" comes on at it's scheduled time, right???
They may be majority conservative, but they don't know it, and the Democrats are winning the elections. People just can't figure things out.
Alright, I'll give Louisiana a break, afterall, you guys voted for Bush, and well, my state showed you the horror of the John F'ing Kerry.
They are all too busy enjoying their Christmas holidays at home. This kind of political crime makes one sick. I bet after his disgusting win, this Jefferson FBI case goes away.
Isa 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Breaking news from 1804.
Why haven't charges been filed yet?
Thank you. After last night, we need all reasonable, thoughtful people to cut us as much slack as possible. ;)
By 2012, you will be surprised at how red Louisiana has become. And I don't mean in debt but that is entirely possible as well.
Sounds more like wetland preservation.
He campaigned professing his innocence saying the FBI had no evidence to indict him. Any clue where they stand on the indictment as this seems to be moving at a snail's pace?
No, this is not news!
Democrats are famous for corruption. Thats their strong suit. Their bread and butter.
Reporting this is like reporting a bear crapped in the woods. Pointless.
Now, if you can find an honest Democrat, that would be front page news.
They have OJ Simpson looking for the real politician who took the bribe and put it in Jeffersons freezer.
yes...maybe.
The democrats ARe the personification of evil.
But what have you seen that tells you that republicans are one bit better.
I'll be frank. I'm almost done with the GOP. I think they're just a bad...but just tell different lies.
I'm this far away {..} from never voting for another republican.
That's Louisiana for you.
Who needs standards, etchics and principles when your voting base is as brain-dead as the people who don't have the sense to run from a hurricane?
(Sorry, a bit harsh, but it boggles the mind how this loser could be sent back to Congress).
EMILY's List loses again!!!
All in good time.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.