Due to his recent stint in federal prison, former Gov. Edwin Edwards won’t be appearing on ballots anytime soon. Still, Baton Rouge pollster John M. Couvillon just had to ask the following question to more than 1,000 likely voters statewide earlier this month: “Would you vote for Edwin Edwards if he were allowed to run for public office again?” According to the JMC Enterprises poll, 42% said yes and 43% said no. “Former Gov. Edwards benefits from a high, but not unanimous, favorability from black respondents,” Couvillon says. “This result with black voters is actually similar, albeit slightly lower, to his performance in the 1987 primary—the one race in his political career that he did not win.” The poll also addressed three other issues:
— “Is privatizing state services a good idea?” Yes, 24%; No, 35%; Undecided, 41%. Couvillon says privatization is not a concept that shows much support with any segment of the electorate, even with Republicans. However, the opposition isn’t overwhelming either.
— “Do you favor increasing taxes on high-income individuals?” Yes, 50%; No, 36%; Undecided, 15%. Couvillon says voters who are least likely to vote are most supportive of higher taxes. Remove this group, and support for higher taxes on upper-income individuals is a slightly lower 47%-37%.
— “Should the $75,000 homestead exemption be kept?” Keep it where it is, 63%; Lower it, 15%; Eliminate it, 8%; Undecided, 14%. Couvillon says it appears voters treat the homestead exemption as a “raising taxes” issue, if you look at the patterns of support/opposition. For more on the poll, click here. —Jeremy Alford
