Both political parties in Louisiana are pulling out all the stops in getting out the vote for the election. State Republican Party Chairman Cory Dennis says if early voting is any indication, election day should be a good day for the GOP in the state. “We’re very excited and very encouraged about the numbers of Republicans that have already voted early. I think people will cross through glass to vote for Donald Trump.”
Meanwhile, Former Governor John Bel Edwards rallied Democrats at the state party headquarters in Baton Rouge. “Boy this election feels like the most important election ever to me. And I’m very happy to tell you all, and everyone else, that I voted for the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris (applause).” Opinion polls show that no federal race in Louisiana is competitive. Donald Trump is expected to carry the state. Democrats are poised to flip the newly-drawn Sixth Congressional District.
In fact, in addition to the 2nd Congressional District, - represented by Democrat Troy Carter, who’s favored to win re-election, Louisiana is primed to have one additional Black male representing the state in Congress. The 6th Congressional District will send a Black man to D.C. But which candidate?
Democratic Senator Cleo Fields served in Congress in the 1990s and says he’ll have seniority in D.C. “There are a lot of needs in this district and it’s going to take someone who’s going to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”
But Democrat Quinten Anderson, a political newcomer, says things fail to progress when career politicians are re-elected. “And that’s what happens when you elect the same people, they’re not going to fight harder if you keep reelecting them.”
Former State Senator Elbert Guillory is the only Republican in the race. He believes congress should prioritize social security instead of offering military aid to other countries. “Those kinds of nutty situations really need some good common sense.” Incumbent Republican Garret Graves chose not to run for re-election when the district was re-drawn to favor a Black majority.
In all, there are five candidates vying for the seat. The four Democrats include Fields, Anderson, along with Wilken Jones and Peter Williams. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat considers Cleo Fields the frontrunner.
The U.S. Supreme Court, announced Monday that it will take up the challenge to Louisiana's newest congressional map, which establishes a majority-Black sixth congressional district. Arguments won't come until early next year. The Supreme Court order is just the latest step in a federal court battle that's lasted over two years. This case won't affect this year's election. Earlier this year it was decided the current election would proceed under the challenged map, which hands a chance to the Democrats to retake the closely-divided U.S. House.
