Can Anyone Give Me Some Insight on Why Mitch Landrieu is Running For Mayor

[hholli11]

Doesn't that seem like a demotion? Doesn't it also seek to highlight a divide in the Democratic Party?

[Hippo_Tron]

1. I asked myself that same question at first

I assumed that he would run for Governor, especially considering that Blanco is so weak. I think that he feels that he has a much better shot at becoming mayor at the moment and feels that he can do a lot for the city as mayor.

As far as dividing the democratic party goes, I'm not really concerned. Nagin was toast after the chocolate city speech and Mitch is pretty much stepping up for the Democrats. Forman isn't particularly loyal to the Democratic party and from my observations, he's beeing supported by a lot of people that voted for Bush in '04.

[LA lady]

2. poll

The polling I have seen (which may be wildly innacurate) shows a dead heat between Nagin and Landrieu.
I was shocked when he chose to run for mayor but my Mom who has followed LA politics longer than I have, said it is almost a more powerful job.

I am glad I wasn't the only one questioning this.

[Hippo_Tron]

3. I saw another poll that says Forman is right up there too

It's going to come down to who gets out the vote on election day.

[hholli11]

4. And you know they'll go old school...

it'll be like Chicago/Philly on election day. Who puts money on the streets.


I'm glad I wasn't crazy in thiking that about Landrieu.

[erpowers]

5. Thinking Same Thing

I have been thinking the same thing. Maybe it is the money. My mom mentioned tonight that whoever wins the election will be handling a large amount of money. I am not sure they actually will be handling a large amount of money, but it is possible and maybe Landrieu is hoping to be able to control the money. Another reason for his run could be that he may want to run for Senate. He may have a better chance to get the Senate job after being mayor in New Orleans and fixing any of the problem that are there. In addition, as LT. Governor he is only over tourism. So in his opinion this might not be a demotion, but a promotion, or the first step to a promotion.

[votefordan]

6. Maybe he is afraid of Jindal.

I dont know why, there are plenty of things that can be said about Jindal... including the fact that if reelected, he will be paid by the Federal Government to run for governor of Louisiana.

We need full time Congressmen to deal with the continuing issues of Katrina. Jindal will not be that when elected and if he acts greedy, I hope that greed will cause him to lose in 07. I hope his greed will cause him to lose in 06 as well.

[AnnInLa]

7. I think the Lt. Gov Position in La is just cosmetic

kinda like the VP of the US used to be, lol. Much more powerful position, being mayor of N.O. Also consolidates the N.O. area for either/both of the Landrieu's. Before Katrina, that area was loyal to the name of Landrieu...but after, with everyone scattered, it would maybe go republican? Perhaps Mary's base would be scattered to the winds? If Mitch can win the mayoral race, and consolidate that area for "Landrieu" again, then that area is a stepping stone for Senator or Governor, and that area can insure Mary's re-election. Also, Mitch is still young enough to wait for a governorship.

Seems to me that if anyone took on the tremendous and thankless and controversial job of rebuilding N.O., and made a success of it, that person would be qualified to run anything....even the country!