The US Senate race is still not over in Louisiana. Incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu is gearing up for a runoff with Republican Congressman Bill Cassidy.
Two hours after the polls closed, Senator Landrieu announced her intentions to fight hard to keep her job.
“Now we have the race we have wanted for months”
She told supporters gathered in New Orleans that the Republican national strategy for sweeping attacks on President Obama’s agenda will now shift to specific issues.
“This race is not about who the president is, who the president was or who the president will be, or which party controls Congress. This race is about the future of Louisiana.”
She is calling for six one-hour debates on topics to include education, jobs, Social Security and Medicare, energy and international trade. Cassidy participated in only two debates in the primary.
The race ended up as close as polls indicated. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Landrieu received 42 percent of the vote. Cassidy took 41, and Tea Party favorite Rob Maness took 14. More than 50 percent was needed to win.
Cassidy repeated his anti-Obama campaign theme in addressing supporters in Baton Rouge when the runoff was confirmed.
“Do you want a senator who represents Barack Obama?”
“No!”
“Or a senator that represents you?”
That race will be held December 6.
