Minutes before the final state U.S. Senate debate, Libertarians’ and Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s protests were overshadowed by overwhelming support for Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.; Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-La.; and Col. Rob Maness.
Groups rallied outside the Journalism Building on Wednesday to allow for third-party candidate participation in the debate. Libertarian Senate candidate Brannon McMorris joined to show his disdain a lack of third-party candidates.
Raycom Media’s poll determined which candidates would participate the debate, requiring candidates to receive at least 5 percent support to qualify. No third-party candidates participated in the debate.
McMorris said Raycom Media’s polling method gave the Republican and Democratic candidates an advantage.
He said his grassroots campaign has been effective, although it has not given him the numbers he needs.
McMorris previously said he would not run in future elections, but Wednesday he said he might change his mind.
“The Libertarian party is the fastest-growing party in Louisiana right now as a third-party option,” said Alexander Lege, assembly organizer and media director for the McMorris campaign. “We have 10,000 registered members now, and if you look at the statistics, Democrats and Republicans are all losing registrations, and the Libertarian party is going up.”
Assembly organizer Mark Richard said the protestors represent all third-party candidates and those voiceless in the debate.
Lege said the debate should be open to all candidates because it was hosted at a government-funded university — if the event were private, there would have been less of an issue.
Richard said Raycom Media’s poll shapes future elections by limiting third parties’ exposure.
“It sends out the message that it’s a waste of your time,” Richard said.
Third parties would offer an alternative view if allowed to participate in the debate, Richard said. Topics like the war on drugs, drug decriminalization, the prison system, national debt and domestic spying are issues Libertarian candidates would speak on, Richard and Lege said.
Preparing for the debate, the group passed out at least 1,800 fliers in Free Speech Plaza to raise awareness for their assembly.
While protestors called for more candidates, supporters from both major parties stood strong with signs and chants prepared.
Economics sophomore Bradley Ashlock stood with Cassidy supporters.
“We’re showing he has the support he needs,” Ashlock said.
Though supporters prompted a sense of competition, some encouraged light-hearted wit.
“I bet there’s one thing we can all agree on: Geaux Tigers!” a Maness supporter shouted.
The crowds dispersed minutes before the debate for individual viewing parties.
A live viewing session was held in the Lawton Room in Tiger Stadium, where the University chapter of Common Sense Action registered voters.
Mass communication freshman Jacob Phagan attended the viewing party and said he wished he could have seen the debate in person, but enjoyed the comfortable seating in the Lawton Room.
Phagan said most students were quiet during the debate except when the candidates would make blatant jabs at one another. Blows incited laughter or small conversations among viewers.
“I’m a Republican, but Sen. Landrieu did very well,” Phagan said.
Phagan was impressed with Landrieu’s performance and noted that she had many supporters. He said his vote may have been swayed by her performance in Wednesday’s debate.