Nungesser Outspends Dardenne In Lt. Governor Race

The loser in Louisiana's lieutenant governor's race spent nearly twice as much as the winner.

According to reports filed with the ethics office, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser spent $2.75 million in his bid for lieutenant governor — $1.3 million of it personal funds he loaned to the campaign. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne reported spending $1.45 million as he topped Nungesser, a fellow Republican, in the Oct. 22 primary.

Reports state that House Speaker Jim Tucker spent $631,000 in his unsuccessful secretary of state's office bid. The winner in the race, Secretary of State Tom Schedler, spent $561,000. Both men are Republicans.

Tucker loaned his campaign $500,000 and Schedler put $350,000 into his campaign, accounting for the bulk of each candidates' campaign cash.