Next year, Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu is running for re-election. Louisiana has been drifting to the Republican Party in recent years. Even though Republicans are doing better in Louisiana, President Obama increased his vote share from 40% in 2008 to 41% in 2012. Yes, a 1% jump doesn't seem like a remarkable comeback. It does show that certain Democrats are still viable in Louisiana though. Senator Landrieu has never won an election with more than 52% of the vote. It's important for her to receive a high African American turnout since they vote predominately for the Democrats. It is also important for her to receive at least 30% of the white vote as well. Mary Landrieu is able to win in Louisiana because she's what you'd call a "Southern Democrat". The Koch Brothers group Americans for Prosperity has been running ads against Landrieu in Louisiana. According to the most recent poll from PPP back in August, shows Landrieu ahead of her likely opponent Congressman Bill Cassidy 50-40%. In Louisiana, they have what is called a blanket primary where all candidates are on the ballot on election day. If no candidate receives at least 50% on election day, the election then goes to a runoff in December. Landrieu is also ahead of potential Tea-Party challenger Rob Maness 50-37%. I'm sure these are not what the polls look like now because of the Health Care rollout that hurt many Democrats. I still think she has the upper hand having won elections in Louisiana before and being a skilled politician. This race is one to watch because it could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Footnotes-Landrieus lead in Louisiana, Tell Mary Landrieu #ExemptMeToo - YouTube, Comparing state-by-state presidential performance: 2012 vs. 2008, Sen. Mary Landrieu: She may be a GOP target, but don't dismiss her
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