[aristeides]

So how can Louisiana have its current system for electing senators? Isn't Landrieux going to have to run with the runner-up in December if neither gets a majority on Election Day?

[aristeides]

Same question to you.

[mathluv]

So how can Louisiana have its current system for electing senators? Isn't Landrieux going to have to run with the runner-up in December if neither gets a majority on Election Day?

Louisiana uses the Napolionic Law for its basic laws - parishers instead of counties. I don't know what thiis entails, but I don't think they have primaries. Everyone runs. The one with 50% of the vote wins, or there is a run-off between the top 2.

[writmeister]

Look at Foster v. Love from the United States Supreme Court on the Louisiana system. They allow for run-offs where no candidate gets 50% if the State chooses. In reaching this interpretation, they looked at the legislative history of the enacting federal statute.