Today marks a much-anticipated political slugfest as Republicans crusade for political control in Congress in mid-term elections.
 
The most prominent battle in Louisiana is for a seat on the U.S. Senate. Current Democratic congressman Charlie Melancon is challenging incumbent David Vitter in a race that has seen a torrent of negative advertising.
 
Melancon’s ads have blasted Vitter for his “serious sin,” a 2007 scandal in which his name appeared on the client list for a Washington D.C. prostitute service. Melancon has also criticized Vitter for not firing a women’s issues staffer accused of assaulting the staffer’s girlfriend.
 
Vitter has portrayed Melancon as a supporter of “the Obama agenda,” linking him to administration policies that are decidedly unpopular in Louisiana. Vitter has also accused Melancon of using taxpayer funds for personal vacations.
 
Both candidates have used the BP oil spill as ammunition — Melancon has blasted Vitter for capping the company’s liability, while Vitter has criticized Melancon for supporting the Obama administration’s moratorium on deepwater drilling.
 
The most recent polls show Vitter up by 15 percent. Vitter also far outraised and outspent Melancon.
 
Vitter, who is widely considered a stalwart Republican, voted against the economic stimulus plan, the health care reform bill and the financial reform bill. Melancon, a more moderate Democrat, voted for the stimulus and financial bills, but against the health care reform bill.
 
Louisiana voters will also select the state’s seven delegates to the House of Representatives. New Orleans-area incumbent Anh “Joseph” Cao, a Republican, is struggling to hold on to his seat against Democratic challenger Cedric Richmond.
 
Cao took that seat in a historically Democratic area after defeating its previous occupant, William Jefferson, who was then fighting corruption charges.
 
In Baton Rouge, Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy is facing a challenge from engineer Merritt McDonald, a retired state employee.
 
The lieutenant governor’s race has earned headlines in Louisiana over the past few months. Republican Jay Dardenne, the current Secretary of State, was the front-runner in the primaries. A former leader in the State Legislature, Jindal has touted Dardenne’s experience as his main appeal for votes.
 
His challenger, Democrat Caroline Fayard, is making her first run for public office, although she’s no stranger to politics. Fayard previously worked at the White House and at Goldman Sachs and has been endorsed by former president Bill Clinton. Fayard has emphasized the need for “a new face” in state government.
 
The lieutenant governor is responsible for overseeing the state’s tourism industry, including museums.
 
The current race is a special election to fill the office after Mitch Landrieu left to become mayor of New Orleans. Landrieu has endorsed Fayard in the race.
 
Louisiana voters will also vote on 10 constitutional amendments. Most of these are technical changes dealing with tax issues and other mechanics.
 
The first amendment would make raises for public officials go into effect after the term of the official that approved the increase. Proponents argue such a change would reduce opportunities for graft or self-granted pay raises, while opponents have argued the change would be better made outside the constitution.
 
Other amendments would: increase the percentage of severance tax revenue the state gives local governments; allow the homestead exemption to be doubled for veterans disabled in combat; limit the ability of local bodies to raise taxes; allow homeowners to claim twice as long of a post-disaster grace period before losing homestead exemptions and other property rights.
 
A full list and description of all 10 amendments is available at lsureveille.com from the Public Affairs Research Council.
Turnout for the election is expected to be low. The Secretary of State’s office is hoping for a 35-percent turnout. Mid-term elections traditionally have much lower turnout than elections with a presidential contest.
 
Students must vote in the districts in which they are registered. Polling locations are available at the Secretary of State’s website.
 
Booths are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 
A driver’s license, Louisiana special ID, or other picture ID with the voter’s name, address and signature is required.
 
 
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Contact Matthew Albright at [email protected]