LA Governor: Mayor Nagin (D) of New Orleans endorses Jindal

[ronzo]

SHREVEPORT, La. -- As absentee voting began Monday, Democrat Mayor Ray Nagin endorsed Republican Bobby Jindal for governor in a move that could sway the outcome of the race.

Still, new numbers from pollster Verne Kennedy show both candidates at 42 percent.

Nagin made the announcement at a 10 a.m. news conference.

"This is a tough choice, but the right one," Nagin said. "First of all, I am crossing party lines. Sens. John Breaux and Mary Landrieu and the state Democratic party did their best to try to convince me to do otherwise, but I am comfortable in my decision because I truly believe it is time for Democrats and Republicans to come together for a better Louisiana and a better New Orleans."

Nagin backed former state Senate president Randy Ewing, a Democrat, in the Oct. 4 primary. Ewing placed fifth.

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I just don't get it.

[La_Serpiente]

1. What the hell is wrong

with conservative Democrats endorsing other Republicans? I mean, is there really a difference? Blanco and Jindal seem PRACTICALLY THE SAME!!!! They are as conservative as you can get.

[ronzo]

3. I'm going on the assumption that you live in Louisiana.

If this is the case, then you know how the Dems here have to cater to the Catholic bloc. There is a difference, and controlling the office of Governor here is key to Senator Breaux's plans for the immediate future. Jindal is a front man for the BFEE . I'd consider this easily as important as defeating haley barbour next door in MS. But, if you say so...

[tsipple]

2. Yay. Way to go for party unity.

Thanks, Zell Miller.
Thanks, Ray Nagin.

(Grrrr...)

[kayleybeth]

5. Yep

Nagin's endorsement ought to just about sew it up for Jindal. Or at least make it close enough for him to steal.

[jburton]

4. When is the next mayoral election?

Mayor Ray Nagin needs a primary opponent.

Is he term limited? Is he popular? Somebody from Nawlins please let us know...

[ronzo]

8. IIRC, He was elected about a year ago to his first term...

He was elected in a runoff election in March 2002. So, he's got a couple of years left. Is he popular? We'll see how this plays out. This really changes things... he better pray that jindal wins.

[Prodemsouth]

6. Question to LA Duer's ; Race a factor?

n/t

[kayleybeth]

7. Could be I guess

Jindal and Nagin are both minorities. New Orleans has a predominantly black voting base and almost always goes to the Dems.