The election is eleven months away, but already, you might be seeing an attack ad in the race for governor.
Already, one Republican, Eddie Rispone, has said he’ll challenge Governor Edwards, but two other Republicans, Congressman Ralph Abraham and Senator John Kennedy, are reportedly considering a run as well.
The 2018 elections are still underway, but already, the first attack ad for a 2019 race is out. The Gumbo PAC is targeting Senator John Kennedy.
“Tie him to Washington; everyone hates Washington,” said KATC Political Analyst Pearson Cross. “They’ll say Kennedy is another Washington politician and that may work for Louisianians who say we don’t want one of those.”
According to Cross, as the only Democratic governor in the South, getting re-elected could be a challenge for Governor Edwards. The governor, though, is confident of his chances.
“I’ve been a leader of Louisiana, putting Louisiana first, getting things done for our people… hard things,” said Edwards. “Lowering the rate of uninsured people in respect to health insurance, lowering the incarceration rate, funding higher education and doing things that make a positive difference in the life of Louisianians across the state.”
Senator Kennedy said on FOX News he’ll announce by Monday whether he’ll run.
“My state is in trouble, and I’m not sure what I’m going to do,” said Kennedy.
Cross expects more than $30 million to be spent in this race.
“Outside money can’t be ignored in this race,” said Cross. “There will be PACs on both sides. Probably 2/3 of that will be from outside money, and I think the money is going to flow and flow.”
Edwards said, “I don’t have any problems seeing myself re-elected about this time next year and serving another four years. It’s a tremendous honor and privilege for me to do that.”
While Kennedy said, “If you believe the polls, I’d win.”
Qualifying for the governor’s race is August 20 through August 22, 2019.
