Mitch Landrieu is now a candidate for the Mayor of New Orleans.

In a very strange event occurring at Café Reconcile’s announcement of dedication of construction, the current Lt. Governor, former state legislator and candidate for Mayor (twice) changed his mind and said that he would be running for Mayor.  This affair was far different from the pomp and ceremony mayoral announcement at the Hilton Riverfront Hotel with balloons, music and the river just four years ago.

While his passion for the city and his ability to persuade was obvious in today’s speech, he certainly piqued the curiosity of the media.  That group set the tone by peppering him with questions regarding his 180-degree political turn.  So, instead of his discussing policy, the main topic for discussion for today was “strange politics”.

In early July, while not completely closing the door on the election, Landrieu issued this written statement without verbal comment, “"I am flattered that my name is considered in the long list of those who could serve as the next Mayor of the City of New Orleans. Like so many of us, I have an undying and unconditional love for our city. It is my home. I always have the resurrection of New Orleans in the forefront of my mind and will continue to do so in the coming years. Rebuilding New Orleans is critically important to the state and the nation. However, I do not intend to run for Mayor of New Orleans. There are many capable people who will make themselves available and who will serve well, if elected. I look forward to working with the next mayor and the people of the city to make New Orleans the great place we all know she can be."

In July, he used what many call “wiggle words”, perhaps not intentionally by stating “I do not intend to run for Mayor” instead of saying something like, “I absolutely will not run for Mayor, no matter what”.  Which only goes to show that in “Political Land”, “I do not intend” means that we better wait until that fat lady has absolutely finished signing for sure.

Today, Landrieu said he felt that running for Mayor would be the best thing he could do to help the City of New Orleans. 

Whether we will know his original intention, or what might have made him change his mind or when he did so is uncertain.  We can all speculate about the turn of events.  However, the bottom line is this:  His candidacy shakes the Mayor’s race up significantly.  He has been considered the most popular elected official in Louisiana.  He face and his name is “household” in New Orleans which in most quarters will be a real advantage. 

Within days, I suspect the community's focus will be less on his “reversals of intentions” and more on the issues.  However, it would be hard to believe that this Reggie Bush-like-cut in the New Orleans and Louisiana political world will not have some impact (if even minor) on his ultimate chances at winning the top New Orleans job. 

If anything, as the New Orleans Saints are having an unbelievable year, the day before qualifying, due to his sudden entry into the field, we might be facing another election to remember.

And just think:  A few weeks ago, many of us were wondering if the New Orleans election would ever get going.  After today’s surprise announcement,  you can bet the Saints will now have some competition as will some of the existing candidates who have been running for Mayor of New Orleans for weeks, if not for months.  

Here are written statements from some of the competing campaigns:

John Georges….” “New Orleans needs a leader who will face the tough decisions about our future head on and that is the kind of mayor I will be. What we don’t need is a professional politician who has trouble making up his mind. Where other candidates see problems that urgently need to be solved, some apparently only see political opportunity for self-advancement. I am not seeking a title- I am applying for a job and I will be qualifying for the mayor’s race bright and early tomorrow morning.”

Edwin Murray…”

"A year ago, I started a diligent campaign to become Mayor of this great city that we love so deeply and I have never wavered 
in my commitment. While I welcome Lt. Governor Landrieu to the race, I believe the voters will judge that I am the best person 
to bring people together and move this city forward". 

Leslie Jacobs….(text message from her spokesperson Cheron Brylski), “she got into this race to get results on the issues 
we all care about”.

Mitch Landrieu's For Annoucement

Mitch Landrieu Meets The Media After His Formal Announcement