The last bit of expectation was drained from the governor’s race Thursday afternoon when John Georges, who had resurfaced this week saying he would consider running, decided not to. That choice triggered the most significant news in the qualifying period, which came from Gov. Bobby Jindal, who told reporters he would serve out his second term. That neutralizes a good deal of speculation about Jindal’s next political move, removing from consideration a vice presidential bid, a Cabinet post if Republicans win the White House, or a run for the U.S. Senate in 2014. That also changes the complexion on this year’s lieutenant governor’s race, greatly reducing the likelihood of succession.
— Two new senators were elected without opposition for open seats: Rep. Page Cortez in Lafayette and former Rep. Ronnie Johns in Lake Charles/Sulphur. Eighteen Senate incumbents were unopposed, 13 Republicans and five Democrats. Sen. Norby Chabert, R-Houma, was re-elected when Rep. Damon Baldone, after saying he would challenge him, did not qualify. Forty representatives went unopposed for re-election: 28 Republicans and 12 Democrats. One newcomer, Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette, was the only unopposed candidate for an open seat. Republicans or independents signed up for 13 of 14 House seats now held by Democrats that were targeted by the Louisiana Committee for a Republican Majority.
They said it: “I think the nail is in the coffin.” —Consultant Roy Fletcher on Sen. Rob Marionneaux’s decision not to run for governor, in The Advocate
(John Maginnis publishes LaPolitics Weekly, a newsletter on Louisiana politics, at LaPolitics.com.)
