The election for the Public Service Commission open seat is still more than two months away—the primary is in November, not October—but the campaigns are beginning to take shape.
Earlier this week, Scott Angelle picked up endorsements from the presidents of six parishes—including Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Martin, St. Mary, Iberville and West Baton Rouge—and next week the three candidates will square off in their first face-to-face Candidates Forum, sponsored by the East Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. The event is scheduled to be held Tuesday at Café Americain, 7521 Jefferson Hwy.
“Because of our system of not having party primaries, the race will be held later than usual, but you’re going to start to see it heat up in the next couple of weeks,” predicts pollster Bernie Pinsonat.
Angelle, who resigned his post as secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources to run, is considered the favorite for the PSC District 2 seat in the all-Republican field because of his name recognition and his political connections in the southwestern part of the district—where he was St. Martin Parish president from 2000 to 2004.
But Baton Rouge contractor Eric Ponti has a strong base of support in the Capital Region, while Lafayette broadcaster Ed Roy has name recognition in the Acadiana area. PSC District 2 is one of the largest in the state, encompassing parts of Terrebonne, Lafourche, Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes.
“Bottom line on this race: The one who can do the best in his area and pick up a few extra votes should win,” Pinsonat says. “If you don’t have to spend a lot of time in your base campaigning, then you can concentrate on spending your money in the areas where you are not as strong.”
The Candidate Forum is set to begin at noon on Thursday. A reception will precede at 11:30 a.m. It is open to all chamber members, business owners and their guests. Cost for lunch is $15. To make reservations, email Bob Breaux at bob.breaux@gmail.com.
