Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and Republican businessman Eddie Rispone sharpened their elbows in a debate that escalated into a free-for-all in the only forum featuring both candidates before the Nov. 16 Louisiana governor’s election.
The two candidates sparred during the statewide TV debate coordinated by Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Council for a Better Louisiana in a forum that sometimes resulted in name-calling, The News Star reports in an analysis of the debate.
Edwards pressed his “Phony Rispone” campaign theme, while Rispone accused Edwards of catering to “trial lawyers” and of being a career politician and opponent of President Donald Trump.
“I’ll let you lie and then I’ll respond,” Edwards said during one exchange.
Meanwhile, Rispone shot back, calling Edwards a liar as well.
On issues, both candidates were consistent in their previous positions, though specifics were sometimes lacking. Rispone wants a constitutional convention, while Edwards opposes rewriting Louisiana’s constitution. When asked what he would change, Rispone said “taxes and revenues.”
“We’re going to always protect education and law enforcement and the unborn,” Rispone said of a new constitution. “There are things structurally we have to do different.”
But Edwards said opening rewriting the constitution is dangerous and would put popular protections and benefits like homestead exemption in jeopardy. Read the full analysis.
