Analyst: Expects 3 Competitive Congressional Races

The Congressional races in Louisiana officially kick-off today with the start of qualifying. Candidates will sign-up at the Secretary of State’s office between today and Friday. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat predicts the third congressional district seat will be the most competitive with some big names and heavily funded candidates trying to make it into the runoff.

“So you’ve got a good selection of candidates, high profile, all can raise money, and the question is who can be in the runoff against, in my opinion, Scott Angelle.”

Former state representative Bret Geymann, law enforcement officer Clay Higgins and Lafayette businessman Gus Rantz are few of the other high-profile Republican candidates in the 3^rd district, which is currently occupied by Republican Charles Boustany who is running for Senate.

Pinsonat says there are also well known candidates in the 4^thcongressional district and some wild cards like former State Senator Elbert Guillory who is a controversial African American right wing republican. He says out of the six candidates running there, two are doctors.

“The 4^th congressional district, where it doesn’t have as many high profile guys and it doesn’t have a Scott Angelle, it’s very competitive and it has a lot of good candidates.”

The other well-known candidates in the 4^th district include Cardiologist Trey Baucum, businessman and lawyer Rick Johnson and Bossier City state representative Mike Johnson, all Republicans.

Pinsonat says the first congressional race should be interesting with Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden running against fellow democrat and incumbent Cedric Richmond. He says there has been word of former KKK member and former state senator David Duke eyeing the 2^nd congressional seat occupied by Steve Scalise.

“I don’t think he’d do anything but cause problems for republicans. And if he runs he’ll be an issue all over the state. I don’t think he’s good for this race.”