Qualifying for Oct. 22 election reaches final day

Candidates interested in running for office in the Oct. 22 election have only a few hours left to sign up for their races. Qualifying shuts down at 5 p.m. today. Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal has drawn five challengers for his re-election bid, none with large name recognition or fundraising prowess. Still said to be considering the race is New Orleans multimillionaire John Georges, a Democrat who unsuccessfully ran against Jindal four years ago. Four of the remaining six statewide elected officials—Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, Treasurer John Kennedy, Agriculture Mike Strain and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon—haven’t attracted opponents. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne faces a challenge from Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler is opposed by House Speaker Jim Tucker. All are Republicans. For a list of candidates who have qualified in races of interest in the Capital Region, click here. For a link to qualifiers from all across the state, click here.