[kcvl]

Outgoing Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster, supporting Blanco's opponent, even questioned her ability to lead, saying if she were elected, her husband Raymond would become "the most powerful man in the state." Raymond Blanco, known as "Coach" at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette where he is dean of student affairs, is a popular and well-known figure in south-central Louisiana.

In the primary, Blanco pitched herself as a caring wife and mother who better understood the needs of Louisiana's children in education and health care than a man could, but the strategy changed in the runoff. She tried to become more hard-edged, harshly criticizing Jindal in a race that didn't generate much heat.

If the years Blanco served in the state Legislature and on the PSC leave her free of any public stains, it also left her with little noticeable record. She was not a revolutionary force in either body.

In debate, Jindal asked Blanco to detail what significant legislation she authored when she was a state representative. Blanco responded, "My name is on lots of legislation." She offered no specifics, then later recounted some education and health care bills that she had a hand in.

The only noticeable spark of complaint during her two terms in the state's No. 2 job surrounded the $6 million purchase of a plantation home in the midst of budget deficits in Louisiana.

[Howlin]

She bought a six million dollar house? On a government payroll -- both of them? I mean how much can HE make?

"My name is on lots of legislation."

That sounds familiar.