Why did Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu decide not to run for Mayor?
This was the official statement from Landrieu which he released through a public relations firm as a courtesy since it would be difficult for him to do so as a public official.
Statement issued today by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu:
"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."
Obviously, the first word that strikes me is “intend”.He did not say he absolutely will not run for Mayor.As a fellow attorney, I feel he knows that in the game of politics, there are few absolutes and “intend” gives him some wiggle room.
However, despite his immense name recognition and visibility in the community, I seriously doubt that he will jump into the race and do believe he means exactly what he says.He has had months to consider his options and he specifically has said he would decide after the legislative session and I believe has done so.
I also believe that he has made this decision for various reasons.He has comfort being Lt. Governor and there is little win opportunities competing in a very racially-divisive city.There is no doubt in my mind that he could win.However, in getting to the finish line, he would fighting well-known African American leaders in an already race worn metropolis.I do not believe that Mitch Landrieu savors that option and I think that this was one major factor that he considered when he decided to decline the race.
As I have written before, there is the David Vitter-Bobby Jindal scenario. Should Vitter not do well in his US Senate race, I think the national GOP could pull the plug on Vitter and insert Jindal, should the Governor want that forum.Given the fact that Sarah Palin is a “free agent”, the idea of a national forum could easily excite Governor Jindal.This picture would mean that now Lt. Governor Landrieu could have better access to be Governor Landrieu.
I also believe that Mitch Landrieu has proven himself statewide and has many options in Louisiana and nationally.
Ultimately, I feel Landrieu made the right decision.The next New Orleans mayor’s election will be a racial cauldron.The Landrieu family does not need white to fight against black.Even if Landrieu does not move up, he still has the Lt. Governor seat which is NOT term-limited.
Knowing Mitch Landrieu and his deep love for New Orleans, I believe the decision not to run for Mayor did not come easy.However, give his options, it was the right move for a young man with a bright future and many “life opportunities”.
I'll agree that day to day life in NO would probably be better under a Landrieu than under Nagin. But the the long term outlook for NO's future will be worse because those two are much more effective at perpetuating the fundamental dysfunction that plagues NO and keeps Landrieu's and those like them in office. Written by
on 7/9/2009
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The next mayor will be a carbon copy of Nagin.
He will be another black criminal who does nothing for the city.
Nagin has successfully made this city a well fare city, where there are more housing projects than pre-katrina, and way more project dwellers per capita than ever before.
Nagin has successfully made this city high crime.
Nagin has not only a chocolate city, but a welfare city who will vote in another Ngain to keep the gravy train heading their way.
Written by same old same old
on 7/9/2009
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It will certainly be an interesting race for mayor, but I am afraid it will not be pretty. Thanks in large part to the present leaders, the city is so racially divided and it does not have to be that way. Would love to see Arnie Fielkow as mayor because I do believe he truly has the best interests of ALL citizens at heart. Can't say that about some of the other names being bounced around. Written by Louisiana Lou
on 7/9/2009
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LOL, kpf!... and, I'd take Mitch over his sister, Mary, anyday. Written by KjunLady
on 7/9/2009
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I'd take either Landrieu over the mayor we have now. Written by kpf
on 7/9/2009
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Although I am not a resident of New Orleans, I take great interest in what happens in the Crescent City. For the sake of the city, I am disappointed that Mitch Landrieu chose not to run. However, now that he has made his decision, I think this creates an incredible opportunity for Arnie Fielkow. He brings to the table a wealth of ideas and does not represent the politics of the past which have long been associated with New Orleans. This will be a very interesting race no matter who runs! Written by BB
on 7/9/2009
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Let's see... Vitter's out-- replaced by Jindal... and the new governor is Mitch Landrieu.... that'll work for me. Written by KjunLady
on 7/9/2009
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I certainly hope not. We don't need another Landrieu in office. We are doing our best to get rid of the one we have now. Written by Nana
on 7/9/2009
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