LA GOVERNOR'S DEBATE 2019 - Last night, the two candidates running for Louisiana governor appeared in a televised debate in Baton Rouge. Incumbent Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards faced Republican challenger businessman Eddie Rispone in what media observers have called a heated and somewhat ugly debate. Edwards is the only Democratic governor in the Deep South and touted his record for improving Louisiana’s economic position, protecting higher education, and improving healthcare through bi-partisan legislation.
But Rispone criticized the governor saying he was responsible for raising taxes and “killing jobs”. Rispone positioned himself as a government outsider / job-creator while saying Edwards was a tax and spend liberal politician.
The debate was televised statewide on Louisiana Public Broadcasting and came ahead of a week-long early voting period in the race that begins Saturday. The runoff is Nov. 16. Polls show a tight race, with both men within the margin of error. President Trump is expected to return to Louisiana and Republicans hope his appearing will lift Rispone to a victory over Governor Edwards who is a popular incumbent in a state the president carried by 20 points in 2016.
