Republican Lt. Gov. and former gubernatorial candidate Jay Dardenne publicly endorsed Democratic state Rep. John Bel Edwards Thursday morning in Free Speech Plaza, saying he believed in “voting for a person– not a party.”
Dardenne’s endorsement followed repeated criticism of Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter, Edwards’ runoff opponent, in the primary campaign.
“How can I pretend the things I said about David Vitter less than two weeks ago have no meaning?” Dardenne said.
Dardenne called Edwards “an honorable, pro-life, pro-gun Democrat.”.
Edwards said Dardenne did not deserve the poor treatment he received from Vitter throughout his campaign, and said he values Dardenne’s advice, input and support. He pledged to his former competitor to put Louisiana first if elected.
Mary-Patricia Wray, Communications Director for the John Bel Edwards for Governor campaign, said Dardenne’s announcement should serve to unify undecided Louisiana voters.
She said Edwards’ campaign appeals to many voters because he puts Louisiana first — not only in his campaign slogan, but in his lifestyle.
“[Edwards] is a guy who really lives his values and [voters’] Louisiana values, and that transcends party,” Wray said.
Sociology and religious studies senior Dylan Schexnaydre said he thinks Dardenne’s and Edward’s speeches are indicative of the bipartisan politics Louisiana wants. He said polarizing party lines divide not only Louisiana but the country as a whole.
Schexnaydre said he hopes both men live up to their promises to build a brighter future for the state.
Political communications junior Margaret Manning said she was surprised by Dardenne’s announcement, as her mass communication class decided there was “no way” a Republican would endorse a Democrat in the primarily red state of Louisiana.
Manning said she thinks the move is a first step toward bipartisanship in the state.
“I think there’s a change coming with the politicians,” she said.
Though he thought Dardenne’s announcement was “awesome,” political communications senior Chris Handy said the lieutenant governor committed “political suicide,” and said it will be difficult for Dardenne to run for statewide office again.
“It took a lot of guts to put the state before the party,” Handy said. “I commend Dardenne for that.”
Though Dardenne’s future political career is uncertain, Manship School of Mass Communication Dean Jerry Ceppos said the lieutenant governor expressed interest in a faculty opportunity at LSU in a phone conversation.
Ceppos said Dardenne, a Manship graduate, would be an ideal addition to the faculty because of his vast knowledge of the intersection of media and public affairs.
