So, if we play the game of associations, of endorsements, of politics and of party, welcome to US Senate 2008, Louisiana-style.

The candidates met for their first debate Monday.  Kennedy called Landrieu a liberal and Landrieu implied Kennedy was an opportunist. 

Then, that is what they have been calling each other and screaming across the Internet cluttering cyberspace with political dirt for the past half-year.  More recently, they have taken their name calling to the other airwaves and we know things just won’t get better.

While McCain plays well in Louisiana, right now, he and his pal, Sarah Palin are not lighting up the lights, nationally.  In fact, if the same or similar vote holds up next month, the Democrats will take the White House and Congress at a time when the D-word (as in depression) is actually believable—whether the GOP deserves the blame party, or not. 

Which means that while John Kennedy’s mantra is “Congress is in the ditch”, the nation appear to be scratching for a change—total Democratic control over Washington.  Should Kennedy prevail, he will be a new guy on the block in the minority party.   If the polls are wrong, the Republicans can win it all and Kennedy would be sitting pretty and enjoy some clout.

Despite the name calling, and the other issues in the race, what voters hopefully will consider in November is which candidate will be able to bring home the bacon.  While the votes on the Iraq war, on Wall Street, federal judges and all of the other national issues are substantially important, nothing ranks higher than the current infrastructure condition and protection of Louisiana. 

As Governor Bobby Jindal has often cited, Louisiana needs to be treated equally and fairly.  Our coasts have too much erosion and our levees require plenty protection.  There are major infrastructure needs throughout Louisiana. 

As the next debate is Sunday, let’s beg that the candidates focus more on what they did during and after those storms and what they will do, if elected.  Too many people are suffering on Main Street Louisiana.  “Gotcha by association” is fun, but it is really a non-issue.  Unfortunately, that’s the game these candidates have been playing since the election cycle began months ago.

It is important that whoever wins Congress and/or the Presidency, our US Senator be on the same side of the fence, politically.  While right now, the Democrats are the more likely choice to control the feds, that domination is no certainty.  We need the political stroke.  Due to the storms, our state has been a walking heart attack.  Let’s vote wisely.  More importantly, let’s hope that somehow by circumstances, we vote right. 





 

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