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Louisiana Hosts Big Battles Louisiana is different in many ways from other states, but it may hold the key to American political power in 2004. With national voters evenly split on many issues and generally unlikely to make big changes in Washington, Louisiana stands out for its upcoming tumultuous battles. On December 15, Democratic Sen. John Breaux announced he would retire, after 32 years in Congress. The two front-runners to succeed Breaux include Democrat Chris John and Republican David Vitter. Both are incumbent Congressmen who are proteges of their party's state leaders: John to the retiring Breaux, and Vitter to former Cong. Robert Livingston, who, before his retirement at the height of the Clinton impeachment scandals, was one of the strongest Congressional leaders on English language issues. In addition to the open Senate seat, the national political parties are focusing on the House seats left open by the Senate candidates, plus a seat held by a one-term Democrat. Republicans are hoping for a strong showing in an increasingly-Republican electorate. Yet Louisiana is the only state in the South which has never elected a Republican Senator and voters chose a Democratic Governor in November. So if any state may be a bellwether of political trends in November, it is Louisiana. 
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The
ELPAC Report