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.
So, what else is new? Is Governor Edwards still in prison?
Not even close. But if his opponent supports partial birth abortion, she is also scum.
Was it found there or not?
Maybe William and Thomas Jefferson could share the holiday, and the popular William Jefferson Clinton could also get in on the act.
I remember that outgoing Speaker Hastert was very concerned about Congressman Jefferson's "civil liberties." Maybe that's why Hastert may be heading back soon to IL so he can play golf with Bob Michel.
Jefferson's cold cash really paid off...
There is a very active Republican Party in Louisiana. The problem here is that Louisiana still has an open primary system. If you can get 50% +1 on election day, you win. If not, then the top two finishers, regardless of party.
Don't forget that the majority of our House delegation is Republican, as well as our junior Senator. He may be the senior Senator after Landrieu runs for re-election; the reason she is in office is her strong showing among black New Orleanians.
Thanks for the explanation. BTW, I wasn't insinuating Washington State was any better....if you could see what passes for a legislator around here....
Former city councilman Ron Miller: "...and third, I want a recount! And no matter how it turns out, I want my old job back!"
--There is a very active Republican Party in Louisiana.--
Can they draft Brett Favre after he retires?
""I'm a little worried about what this is going to say to the nation," said City Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, a Carter supporter."
Nothing we did not already know about New Orleans.
With a governor and mayor like they have in Louisiana and New Orleans, what would you expect? The governor refused Federal help 3 days before Katrina hit. The Mayor abandoned the plan to evacuate in favor of putting up the people in the Dome, THEN refused Red Cross help. Somehow Federal money to improve the levys evaporated. These people got re-elected. And you wonder at Jefferson's re-election?
William Jefferson (D) LA, no relation to the Cleaning Store tycoon, (possibly named after Clinton) was defended by the Congressional Black Caucus - "not convicted" etc. Well said; BUT, shouldn't the elite of Congress be held to higher standards? The GOP usually (not always) does, as the "accused" frequently RESIGN! The Desm embrace all walk of thieves; especially at election stealing time.
It's a rule to live by...
there are as many republican crooks as democrat crooks...Except that republican VOTERS always remove the scum. Even the appearance of scum is enough to defeat a republican {republican candidates take note--this is a GOOD THING, and you can expect it to continue}, but democrats re-elect creeps and criminals all the time.
Count on Conservative VOTERS...not republican politicians.
Count on Conservative VOTERS...not republican politicians. AMEN!
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