In her new campaign commercial, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu highlights the endorsement of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. In the commercial, Strain touts Landrieu’s leadership and what she has delivered to the parish post-Katrina.
The fact that a prominent Republican in the only Republican majority parish in the state is not endorsing the Republican candidate is quite telling. Strain is not alone either, for other Republican elected officials on the Northshore are also endorsing Landrieu. For example, St. Tammany Parish Assessor Patricia Schwartz Core and St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis are both supporting Landrieu. What makes matters even worse for Kennedy is that he lives on the Northshore, so these are endorsements coming from his own backyard. These endorsements have infuriated the Republican Parish Executive Committee of St. Tammany, which has passed a resolution condemning the GOP elected officials supporting Landrieu.
Moving forward, Kennedy must not only galvanize the support of the vast majority of Republicans, but he also must garner as many Democrat votes as possible. Unfortunately for Kennedy, he has not been able to attract the support of many prominent Democrats for his campaign, which is surprising since he has spent the majority of his political career as a Democrat. In fact, Kennedy has been dogged by Landrieu charges that he is “one confused politician.” She repeatedly points out that Kennedy endorsed John Kerry in 2004 and is now supported by President George W. Bush.
Landrieu is still the most vulnerable incumbent U.S. Senate Democrat, but the polls show her ahead of Kennedy and in good position to win. Over the next few weeks, Landrieu has agreed to participate in only three debates with Kennedy. One of them will be televised statewide on LPB. Another one will be broadcast on WDSU-TV Channel 6 in New Orleans. It is unclear whether the other networks and viewers in other cities throughout the state will be able to see the candidates in action.
Kennedy is claiming that Landrieu is ducking debates and is not addressing the issues in this race. He does have a legitimate argument that there are not going to be enough debates, but the reality is that few people watch the debates. The election will be decided by a number of factors, but unless there is a major mistake, the debates will not be the deciding factor.
With Landrieu enjoying a big edge in fundraising, the best chance for Kennedy to win is for McCain to carry Louisiana by a huge margin. A big McCain victory in Louisiana could sweep Kennedy into office on Republican coattails. It happened in 2004 for U.S. Senator David Vitter when George W.. Bush scored a big victory in Louisiana over John Kerry. If McCain easily defeats Obama in Louisiana, the biggest beneficiary could very well be John Kennedy.
Jeff Crouere is the Host of “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. He is the Political Analyst for WGNO-TV ABC26 and the Political Editor for NewOrleans.com. For more information, visit his web site at RingsidePolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics..com
Ehhhhh,, no worries Mates..... Obama is toast, and the sleeping majority is getting ready to vote.. I still wonder where it is going to go from here though... It seems some subversives are hellbent on finishing up what was started in November of '63.... Written by
on 9/23/2008
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Another take: many of us in the electorate desire a split government. So we do not want to see either party have control of both houses and the Presidency. Also having both Bill Clinton and George Bush place people on the Supreme Court suits me just fine. Maybe having Obama and the Democrats controlling both houses is just what we need. They'll give tax payers a good lesson as to why they should vote Republican. Written by kpf
on 9/23/2008
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Obama as President, Landrieu back in as senator, the dims holding the majority....oh dear God help us all. The Carter years return but with a liberal mindset that will put Supreme Court justices on the court who will "interpret" the constitution per the polls and heaven only knows what else. Written by Sid
on 9/23/2008
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Obama win La.? I'd have to see it to believe it and if somehow you do see it then it would probably be an indicator of Obama carrying all 50 states or maybe 48 out of 50. Still, Kennedy's campaign has been pretty lame and it's like Edwin Edwards used to say, if you wait to jump on board then you have to be in the back of the line to get access. If Obama does win and the Democrats maintain control of both houses as is likely and if Mary gets re-elected then that would be good news for La. even with a GOP governor. A McCain/Kennedy win would be horrendous news. Written by Richard P.
on 9/22/2008
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Kennedy must have pissed off the high sheriff and others. Maybe its because he fights the status quo. Mary "delivered" after the hurricane..she screwed things up right after the hurricanes and caused more problems than we deserved. The state republican party needs a house cleaning. Written by Sid
on 9/22/2008
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The latest poll I saw had Obama closing the gap in Louisiana by a significant margin. The Strain endorsement of Landrieu is the equivalent of the fat lady singing the end of Kennedy's chance to win. Written by David Quidd
on 9/22/2008
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Vitter won on his own with a huge base on the Florida Parishes and a statewide rep due his (unpopular among his own Party) support for term limits. Vitter has been a master at self-promotion, (a talent which may now fade due to the scandals). Written by Charlie
on 9/22/2008
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Well, it's like Kennedy said, if you want more of the same, reelect the same to congress..... It could be that the Republicans who are throwing in with Landrieu are some of the same kind of crooked Republicans everyone, including honest republicans are angry about........ I'll agree with Obama on that point, WE DO NEED CHANGE.......................... And that right fast................ Written by
on 9/22/2008
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In her new campaign commercial, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu highlights the endorsement of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. In the commercial, Strain touts Landrieu’s leadership and what she has delivered to the parish post-Katrina. 
