As it became clear that Edwin Edwards would face Garret Graves in the runoff election, the already-lively crowd at the Edwards’ election watch party became even more boisterous.
The two election parties showcased the difference between the candidates. Music from the ’70s flowed between cocktail tables at the crowded Edwards party, while no music could be heard over the triumphant voices sitting around white cloth-covered tables at the Graves camp.
Edwards addressed his supporters as Louisiana’s former governor, but assured them that on Dec. 6, he will address them as Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District congressman.
Edwards praised younger supporters in attendance and focused on how to win the race. His next step is to introduce himself the younger crowd, he said, those who never knew him as governor.
While he acknowledged that Graves is a younger candidate, Edwards was confident his experience would give him the advantage.
“Knowledge, the ability to get things done and a good record as governor is going to carry the day,” Edwards said.
Edwards said he was anxious to meet Graves in two or three debates before Dec. 6 and have the opportunity to show the candidates and their positions on key issues side-by-side.
Graves addressed his supporters similarly, thanking many of them for their early support. While he started slowly, with 2 percent in the polls, he said getting out and talking to the people in his district not only helped his rating, but also shaped his policy.
Graves said his potential constituents voiced their unhappiness over the Affordable Care Act and insecure borders, adding that he shares the vision with Southern Louisiana.
“There is a resounding mission, there is a resounding mandate from the people in South Louisiana,” Graves said. “I hear the mandate loud and clear.”
Graves celebrated the many resources available in the region — energy, fisheries and the Mississippi River system — but above all, the people.
In Congress, a representative must get 218 votes to make a difference, Graves said, but he assured his supporters he was “a difference-maker.”
Graves said he would not underestimate his opponent, joking that he would be wear a bullet-proof vest for the next month. He made a similar jab towards Edwards’ family.
“I want to congratulate his kids, Eli and [his wife] Trina for getting him into the runoff,” Graves said.
However, there was not so much celebrating at the Paul Dietzel watch party.
While supporters, young and old, turned out to back the young candidate, he did not receive enough votes to make the runoff.
Political communication sophomore Ty Edwards interned with Dietzel since January. She and the other interns spent Election Day making phone calls and holding signs in support of the candidate she said cares the most for Louisiana.
Dietzel said his main focus was meeting people and becoming someone his constituents could trust, but added meeting so many people was a huge hurdle.
Dietzel said winning this election would mean ground games were effective against raising enough money to “buy seats,” and acknowledged Graves was the only candidate raising more money than himself.
“We have run a great campaign,” Dietzel said. “We have focused on issues important to millennials, and I have no regrets.”
Garret Graves gives election speech about runoff with Edwin Edwards, after poll results, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge, November 4, 2014.
