Despite some hype over gubernatorial candidate Jay Blossman’s use of serial killer-related issues in his campaign, University experts predict that topic will not determine Louisiana’s next governor.
Blossman, a state public service commissioner and Republican candidate, argued in a series of campaign ads last week that the state should have spent more on criminal DNA databases. The funding could have helped police catch the serial killer sooner, he said.
However, Kirby Goidel, an assistant professor of mass communication and political science, said he thinks the serial killer only will play a minor role in the Oct. 4 governor’s race.
“If people still were overwhelmingly concerned about safety and crime, especially violent crimes where DNA is needed, then candidates could use the serial killer to tie in to a broader issue,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “But I don’t think it will affect people’s voting decision.”
Goidel based his opinion on the context behind Blossman’s campaign and the fact crime and safety have not consistently been a concern in the state.
Because funding for a DNA database is specific and it only reaches those who are concerned for their safety, Goidel said any campaigns solely based on such an issue are not likely to succeed.
“It will help get them a signature issue, but that’s all,” he said.
Goidel explained all candidates likely will agree crime prevention methods are a worthy cause, especially if victims’ family members lobby for that cause.
Lynne Marino, serial killer victim Pam Kinamore’s mother, said on the “Live Mike” radio show July 10 she was glad someone had brought up criminal DNA databases.
“This is the biggest thing to happen in the state in 60 years,” Marino said on the air. “Someone has to address it.”
Goidel predicts the agenda will be addressed, but with all candidates agreeing crime prevention is needed, serial killer issues will not determine whether one candidate will win over another.
“Blossman’s strategy may be different than [Randy] Ewing’s, but both will be in support of the issue and will lose the ability to say ‘I’m for and he’s against,'” Goidel said.
If a suspect were not in custody, circumstances may be different, Goidel said. Instead, he predicted people will vote on who they think can best improve the state’s education and economy.
“People are paying attention to why so many people are leaving Louisiana,” he said. “The answer is that we need to improve education and the economy, and I think people are making that connection.”
Student Government President Allen Richey echoed Goidel and said education and the state’s economy affect all students.
“As students, we’re all directly impacted by the education system and the economy if we want jobs in our state,” he said.
Though Richey said he agreed with Blossman’s campaign, he thinks candidates’ ideas for improving education, the economy and health care will set them apart, he said.
To decide which candidate should be the next state governor, Richey recommended that students scrutinize the platforms and the candidates’ plans for fulfilling those platforms.
“Ask questions if you are not satisfied,” Richey said.
Blossman could not be reached for questioning Wednesday because his secretary said he was out of town attending a meeting.
In addition to Blossman, other major Republican gubernatorial candidates include state Rep. Hunt Downer, former health care official Bobby Jindal and former Legislative auditor Dan Kyle.
The major Democratic candidates include Ewing, a former state Senate president, Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Attorney General Richard Ieyoub and former U.S. Rep. Buddy Leach.