Blue Collar Muse

GOPAC sent out this email handicapping the upcoming elections and the results of the recent elections in which Bobby Jindal scored an historic upset over incumbent Democrat Governor and Katrina bungling Kathleen Blanco. It will be interesting to see which way Louisiana’s political winds blow this Fall as we look ahead to next year’s election here in Tennessee.

The Tennessee GOP has set an ambitious goal for itself of strengthening its majority in the TN Senate and retaking the House. In addition, Gerard Donovan, a Mt. Juliet businessman, has set his sights on Tennessee’s 5th District House seat. One thing is guaranteed, it’s going to get sporty in The Volunteer State before the dust settles.

In the meantime, enjoy the race results.

Results from Louisiana Elections

The news story written by Bill Barrow of the Times-Picayune reports on the success enjoyed by the Republican Party in Louisiana’s Open Primary Election on Saturday:

“In its bid to take charge in a state long dominated by Democrats, the GOP has already guaranteed itself control of at least four of the seven statewide offices, led by Jindal’s reclaiming of the Governor’s Mansion from Democrat Kathleen Blanco. The two runoffs set up an opportunity for them to claim six of the seven.”

As you review the election results below, keep in mind that Louisiana has an open primary where all candidates (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) compete on the same ballot. A candidate must earn 51% of the votes cast in the Primary Election to be declared the winner. If no candidate receives 51% of the votes cast, the top two vote getters face-off in a run-off election on November 17th.

Governor

Congressman Bobby Jindal earned a historic victory by capturing 54% of the votes cast to be elected Louisiana’s next governor. Governor-elect Jindal’s message of economic opportunity, ethics reform and tough action against crime trounced the negative attacks and racist overtures by his opponents and the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Lt. Governor

Republican Sammy Kershaw ran a competitive race, but fell short in defeating Democrat incumbent Mitch Landrieu.

Secretary of State

Republican Secretary of State Jay Dardenne won his first full term after winning a September special election last year. He won with 63% of the votes cast.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner

GOPAC’s number one target for defeat, incumbent Bob Odom, was forced into a run-off for the first time since 1979, by state Representative Mike Strain. Odom personifies the “party boss and patronage” approach to politics that has kept the Democrats controlling Louisiana for decades. By defeating Odom, state Representative Strain can restore integrity to an office that has been in a nearly 30 year downward spiral under Bob Odom’s reign. Leading up to November 17th, GOPAC is planning to continue airing its radio ad to remind voters that Bob Odom has been indicted 21 times on money laundering, extortion and bribery charges while farmers have struggled and taxpayers have been cheated.

Attorney General

Democrat incumbent Charles Foti was defeated by failing to make the run-off against Republican Royal Alexander and Democrat Buddy Caldwell. Leading up to November 17th, GOPAC will be doing its part to help Alexander communicate his message of running to end the ‘good old boy’ politics of the past and provide new and effective leadership in the Attorney General‘s office.

Treasurer

Republican incumbent John Kennedy faced no opposition. Treasurer Kennedy is being discussed as a candidate against vulnerable incumbent US Senator Mary Landrieu.

Insurance Commissioner

Republican incumbent Jim Donelon earned 51% of the votes cast to defeat Democrat Jim Crowley.

Louisiana House

A strong effort on November 17th could earn Republicans control of the Louisiana House. Coming out of Saturday’s Open Primary Election, Republicans have victory secured in 41 of the 105 seats. Democrats have victory secured in 45 of the 105 seats. The 17 races that will be decided on November 17th will determine the final balance of power. GOPAC will be targeting those races where our resources can make the biggest difference to assist Louisiana Republicans in gaining majority in the House.

Louisiana Senate

Democrats will continue to control the Senate. Democrats have victory secured in 22 seats, two more than needed for a majority. Republicans have victory secured in 13 seats. Four seats will be decided on November 17th, thus determining the final balance of power.

Wondering what Ray Nagin will do without other Democrats to hide behind …

Blue Collar Muse

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