In the attack-heavy race for Louisiana attorney general, the focus is squarely on Republican incumbent Buddy Caldwell.
The Associated Press reports opponents in Saturday’s election have accused Caldwell of pay-for-play politics, incompetence and office mismanagement. They talk of a “Buddy system” where campaign contributors get large contracts from Caldwell for work that could have been done in-house.
He’s fending off the attacks with criticisms of his own, accusing chief Republican rival Jeff Landry of being a failed and desperate politician “looking for a place to land.” And Caldwell says no other candidate has the qualifications he has built over eight years as attorney general and in nearly three decades as a district attorney in rural northeast Louisiana.
“The extent of my experience, criminally, civilly, from every standpoint, it’s a no-brainer,” says Caldwell, who lives in Tallulah. “My people have performed and have recovered billions of dollars for the state.”
The race to be Louisiana’s chief lawyer is expected to head to a Nov. 21 runoff. With five candidates vying for the job, it appears unlikely anyone will win more than 50% of the vote outright. The state Republican Party has backed Landry, a former congressman and tea party favorite. The Louisiana Democratic Party is backing Geri Broussard Baloney, a trial lawyer.
Also on Saturday’s ballot are Port Allen lawyer Marty Maley, a Republican and assistant district attorney in West Baton Rouge Parish, and Democrat Ike Jackson of Plaquemine, a former assistant attorney general who has done little fundraising or advertising.
The heftiest spending comes from Caldwell and Landry, with Landry’s campaign consistently attacking Caldwell for his performance in office. Landry has spent more than $2.2 million on his campaign, more than twice as much as Caldwell. Baloney spent about $25,000, skipping TV advertising in favor of radio spots.
