Now that 2014 is finally here, we’re starting to see
increased activity in some upcoming elections while still waiting for any
activity in others. Incumbent Mayors in New Orleans and Kenner are seeking reelection and several current City Council members in both cities are hopping to
different Council seats despite the intent of term-limits.
New Orleans
Mayor Mitch Landrieu is facing a real challenger in former
Judge Michael Bagneris. Landrieu has already begun TV advertising trying to
spread his “feel-good” message. While the murder rate in Orleans Parish did
decline in 2013, crime is still rampant and on the public’s mind. Bagneris,
while not able to match Landrieu’s formidable war chest, should be able to
raise enough to offer voters a real option. This is a very short campaign and
we’ll know in February whether the voters want change or more of the Landrieu
Political Dynasty.
On the Council side, the announcement by District C
Councilwoman Kristin Palmer that she will not be seeking reelection was a
surprise. However, it was absolutely no surprise that term-limited
Councilwoman-At-Large Jackie Clarkson threw her hat in the race to move back to
the District C seat. Obviously the intent of term-limits has been lost on Ms.
Jackie. Clarkson, who was a staunch supporter of the extension of the Crescent
City Connection tolls that were trounced by voters in 2013 (and yet, the CCC
hasn’t fallen down without the toll), is facing four other candidates including
Judge Nadine Ramsey.
Term-limited District D Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge Morrell, also ignoring the intent of term-limits,
is seeking to move to Clarkson’s At-Large seat.
The race for Sheriff also features a name from the past:
Charles Foti. The former Sheriff and Attorney General is seeking to unseat
incumbent Marlin Gusman.
Early voting for these and other races including a new
Coroner for the first time in decades, begins January 18th and the
primary is February 1st.
Kenner
Later this Spring,
Kenner voters will have an opportunity to elect a new Mayor or reelect Mike
Yenni, as well as choose or move several term-limited City Council members.
While no real challenger has emerged to face Yenni, it is
expected that at least one or, possibly several, challengers will jump in the
race.
On the Council side, 5 of the 7 council members are
term-limited including both At-Large seats and 3 District seats. The 3
term-limited District Councilmen (DeFranchesch, Denapolis and Stagni) are
expected to run for the 2 At-Large seats. In fact, Mayor Yenni has already held
fundraisers for DeFranchesch and Denapolis as well as District 3 Councilman
Keith Reynaud. Glad to see Mayor Yenni
spreading the wealth from his contractor friends to enrich the coffers and buy
the loyalty of several council members. Since his loyal voting block of
Councilwomen-At-Large Jeannie Black and Michele Branigan are term-limited, the
Mayor will need some new votes to keep ramming his will down the throats of
Kenner residents. That is, if he is reelected.
Reynaud is seeking election to his first full term. District
1 Councilman Gregory Carroll is seeking reelection to his seat.
U.S. Congress/Senate
The Fall brings Federal elections for Congress and Senate.
In Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, Congressman
Cedric Richmond (D) already has an announced challenger in Gary Landrieu.
Landrieu, while also a Democrat, vows to oppose new taxes and provide economic
opportunity to the District.
The Senate race is also heating as 4 announced candidates
are already jockeying for position for Mary Landrieu’s seat.
Three Republicans, Congressman Bill Cassidy (Baton Rouge),
Rob Maness (Madisonville) and newly-announced State Rep. Paul Hollis
(Covington), along with Libertarian Brannon McMorris (Denham Springs), are
seeking to unseat Democratic 3-term incumbent Landrieu.
2015
It’s never too early to look ahead to several big statewide
races in 2015.
All eyes will be on Senator David Vitter (R) as he decides
whether to leave the U.S. Senate and seek the Governor’s mansion. Current Lt.
Governor Jay Dardenne (R) has already declared his intention to run for
Governor and State Treasurer John Kennedy (R) is also rumored. On the
Democratic side, State Rep. John Bel Edwards (Amite) is the only announced
candidate.
Making his second attempt at the Lt. Governor’s job that
will be vacated by Dardenne is Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser (R).
Nungesser made national news in the aftermath of the BP Oil Spill and has long
been a supporter of Louisiana and Louisiana residents. Most recently, Nungesser
and Treasurer Kennedy were part of the Stop The Crescent City Connection Toll
movement.
Making the Lt. Governor’s race even more interesting is the inclusion
of State Senator Elbert Guillory (R-Opelousas). Guillory too made national news
when he switched back to the Republican Party after spending several years as a
Democrat. Guillory posted a Youtube video expressing his disappointment in the
Democratic Party. That video has been viewed over 990,000 times.
Also announced is Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden (D).
