Free Republic

Republicans, independents show strong growth By ALAN SAYRE Associated Press writer Almost twice as many new voters have registered as Republicans than Democrats over the past year in Louisiana, but the biggest jump comes among those claiming no party affiliation. The deadline for registering for the November presidential election was Oct. 4, but an official of the state Democratic Party said some of the new registrations still have not been delivered to the secretary of state. He predicted that when all are included, Democrats will have a much-stronger showing. As of Monday, there were 2.89 million registered voters in Louisiana,...

http://www.thenewsstar.com/localnews/html/A4E47552-73D0-47BC-B143-79A8412877B7.shtml

<p>WASHINGTON - Despite trailing in the polls, Democratic candidates in the race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana are narrowly favored to win over the only Republican running, political analysts said last week.</p> <p>But that hairline Democratic edge, as one put it, could change in a puff of Louisiana's erratic political wind.</p>

<p>WASHINGTON - If one of the Senate's most effective moderates decides not to seek re-election, action on issues from Medicare to taxes could be in jeopardy.</p> <p>Seniors might never see their prescription drug bills drop. Workers might be without health insurance between jobs. Welfare moms might not get training for work.</p>

<p>No voter paying much attention to the governor's race could have missed the fact that Republican Bobby Jindal defines himself as a Christian.</p> <p>His standard speech includes at least a passing mention of his faith, and he often expands with the story of his teenage conversion when addressing church audiences or gatherings of evangelical voters who have been among his most avid supporters. He cites his Christian beliefs in ads and position papers highlighting his opposition to all abortion, without exceptions, and his support for the public display of the Ten Commandments, the teaching of creationism in schools and for government aid to faith-based charities.</p>

<p>BATON ROUGE - Spouses can become an issue in politics.</p> <p>Just look at Hillary Rodham Clinton.</p> <p>"Rarely does a spouse make a difference," said LSU political scientist Wayne Parent. "But if an issue is made of the spouse, it can."</p>

<p>BATON ROUGE -- Voters do not appear to be very excited about any candidate as Louisiana's gubernatorial campaigns head into the final two weeks, a pollster says.</p> <p>One possible reason: When Verne Kennedy of Pensacola, Fla., asked 600 voters in a poll Sept. 3-6 about their feelings about Louisiana, 45 percent said the state is on the wrong track and things are getting worse. And fewer -- 38 percent -- believe Louisiana is moving in the right direction and things are getting better.</p>

<p>BATON ROUGE - The starting gun of the fall gubernatorial election does not go off until official qualifying Aug. 19-21, but the top candidates are lining up - and lining their campaign treasuries with the cash needed to make the race.</p>