Cooksey's Hometown Newspaper Endorses Terrell for U.S. Senate

Monroe (LA) News-Star | 10-20-02 | Editorial Board

[Theodore R.]

Terrell the best choice to serve La. in Senate Republican candidate brings integrity, solid track record into race to earn a spot in Congress. Posted on October 20, 2002 There's nothing more important on Louisiana's Nov. 5 ballot than the U.S. senator selection.

That race is vital for Louisiana, which needs effective representation in Washington, and vital for America, which needs vibrant, creative and ethical leadership in the Senate, our nation's premier deliberative body. Should the race fall to a Dec. 7 runoff, Louisiana's choice may decide which way the Senate itself leans - Democrat or Republican - and whether President Bush has the support he needs in Congress. The nation will be watching.

Suzanne Haik Terrell is clearly the best choice for Senate. The News-Star recommends her.

Terrell, Louisiana's commissioner of elections, has restored dignity to that office. She has been a vigorous proponent of fair and ethical elections in all corners of the state. On the local and state levels, the Republican from New Orleans has established a reputation for decency, for common sense and for an ability to work for progress with people of all backgrounds. She offers effective conservative leadership.

Terrell stressed the key need for improving the state's economic environment to foster growth and keep people from leaving Louisiana to pursue viable jobs. Terrell touts improving infrastructure, education and tax policy as the answers to creating an environment conducive to change and prosperity.

"Infrastructure is an expensive tool, but it's a very integral tool for economic development in all parts of the state," Terrell said.

Terrell also expresses a compelling understanding of some of the poverty-stricken areas of the state. She admits effecting progress is a difficult task, and one thing alone does not invoke change. She says companies have to have a reason to bring business to the area, they have to be able to move their products and the people of the poor areas must become better educated.

"It's difficult if you go in with just subsidies because it's not creating anything new. You have to create stimulus," she said.

Terrell has a record of achievement in New Orleans as a city councilwoman and as commissioner of elections. In her current role she has made a point to visit areas across the state that normally do not get much attention. She also has shown fairness in handling voting problems. She has also streamlined the election operation, tackled tough financial issues and downsized the bureaucracy of the department.

The outcome of this senate election commands interest in the state and beyond. Republican Party leaders implemented a strategy that they think will put one of their candidates in a runoff with a chance to win.

Regardless of party or strategy, Terrell in our view provides the best option for voters based on her accomplishments and her priorities for Louisiana.

[Theodore R.]

Most still expect Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-LA, to win reelection outright on Nov. 5. If Landrieu falls short of 50 percent plus one vote, there will be a runoff for the two top votegetters. Monroe is the home of another Republican senatorial hopeful, outgoing Rep. John Cooksey. Ironically, both Landrieu and Terrell both gained their present positions by defeating the same man: former State Rep. Woody Jenkins, R-Baton Rouge.

[WFTR]

Maybe I'm just being too optimistic, but I don't think most people now "expect" Landrieu to win on November 5. She has about 45% of the vote solidly in her corner. The three Republican challengers have about 10-15% each for a total about about 30-35% of the vote. Another 10-15% of the vote is determined to vote Republican but hasn't chosen a candidate. The election hangs in the balance of about 5-10% of the voters who are truly undecided. These people broke for President Bush in 2000. If they break for Landrieu in November, she wins. If they break among the Republicans, we'll have a runoff.

From everything I've seen, I think Mrs. Terrell would be a good senator. I'm voting for Tony Perkins in November, but I could be happy with any of the Republican candidates. I admit that Mrs. Terrell has some demographic advantages. For those who insist on voting for a woman, she won't lose any votes to Landrieu. She has some support in New Orleans, and New Orleans has always been where Republicans lose statewide races. She is Roman Catholic in a state where many people are of that faith and some vote the faith.

I've started two threads on this election. Anyone interested can see them at

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/campaign2002/768648/posts

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/campaign2002/742529/posts.

These are also on my website at Liberal Senator Landrieu and Louisiana Senate Candidate Forum.

The most important thing is for every Louisiana conservative to vote in November. Even votes for Libertarian candidates help us hold Landrieu under 50% of the vote.

WFTR
Bill