When registration for the Louisiana governor’s race closed Sept. 8, the gubernatorial election lineup left the incumbent Gov. Bobby Jindal with a wide array of opponents.
There are currently 10 candidates registered for the Oct. 22 election.
Cary J. Deaton, D-Metairie, was prompted to register by the lackluster turnout of Democratic opponents, he said.
“This country was built on a two-party system,” he said. “To only have one [in the race] was offensive to interests.”
Deaton plans to focus his platform on Social Security and education.
He particularly criticized Texas Gov. Rick Perry for lashing out at Social Security, calling it a systems.”
Deaton promised that on his first day in office, he would issue an order banning further tuition increases.
Tuition increases and education policy are hot topics in the governor’s race, especially considering that two of the candidates are currently pursuing degrees.
Androniki Papazoglakis, D-Baton Rouge, is also running for governor — while pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at LSU.
While Papazoglakis says that “clearly none of [the candidates] have the resources of Bobby Jindal,” she believes her professional experience and educational background make her a prominent opponent.
One way Papazoglakis hopes to set herself apart is by avoiding political rhetoric and staging a “content-heavy” campaign.
Extensive political rhetoric, she said, is evidence of how politics have “devolved.”
“First and foremost, we have to get Louisiana on solid economic footing,” Papazoglakis said.
She also wants to bring more issues down to the state level, such as coastal restoration.
“We really can’t rely on waiting to see what happens, waiting on someone to come fix the problems in Louisiana,” she said in reference to federal funds.
Papazoglakis’ full name on the ballot will read