Nagin Decides Against La. Governor Bid

AP via SFGate ^ | 9/6/7 | MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press Writer

[SmithL]

Baton Rouge, La. (AP) -- Keeping speculation alive until the very end, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin opted not to join the Louisiana governor's race Thursday — a decision that became clear only when the qualifying deadline passed.

Many in Nagin's city were surprised he was even considering a run, with more than 2 1/2 years left in his second term, a painfully slow hurricane recovery effort in the city and a gubernatorial candidate — U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal — who has held a commanding lead in polls.

Thirteen candidates qualified for the Oct. 20 ballot, most notably the Republican congressman, Democratic state Sen. Walter Boasso, Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell and businessman John Georges, who dropped his Republican Party affiliation Thursday before signing up to run as an independent.

Democratic Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who beat Jindal four years ago, chose not to run for re-election.

Nagin had remained coy about his plans even in the final hours of qualifying, saying early Thursday in a TV interview that he hadn't made up his mind and was "having great fun with this." Later in the day, he said in a WWL-AM radio interview that it was "very unlikely" he'd sign up for the race, but he never announced a firm decision.

Nagin said in a statement after the deadline passed that even though he was not seeking the governor's office, he would continue to make the region's recovery needs a priority during the 2007 election season.

[scrabblehack]

I can’t see bribing Nagin to stay out of the race. Who might get the other runoff slot — I assume Boasso (D), Campbell (D), or Georges (I)?

I suppose it is possible Jindal could get more than 50% in the primary?

[DocH]

What can we expect from the incompetent, corrupt, N...

agin?

[Fred Hayek]

I work with some engineers from Red Stick. Been hearing that Jindal’s numbers are looking very good.

[steveegg]

Now what am I going to do with all this popcorn?

[NeoCaveman]

I suppose it is possible Jindal could get more than 50% in the primary?

Possible and even likely. He's polling over 60% with just 30 days or so to go until the election.

[macmedic892]

You gotta love the Dem party. Where else does completely screwing up a city during a disaster and then fleeing from that city and setting up residence in another state until the water recedes qualify as a resume enhancement that should make a governor out of a mayor?

What was the old line about government employees (all levels and locations) being promoted until they reach their level of stupidity?

[stocksthatgoup]

According to the Peter Principle, Mayor Nagin has already reached his level of incompetence. Therefore there is NO need to seek higher office.

[scrabblehack]

Yeah, I can’t see Nagin taking votes away from Jindal. Jindal’s chances vs. Nagin in a general election would presumably be better than vs. Boasso or Campbell though.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Neither Blanco nor Nagin are running?

The city of N’Orleans must be in mourning.