Edwards Releases First Ad Of Louisiana Governor’s Runoff

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards has launched his first TV ad of the Louisiana governor's runoff election, marking his first attack advertising in the race.

In the 30-second spot, the Deep South's only Democratic governor strikes at Republican opponent Eddie Rispone.

Edwards speaks in the ad about his bipartisan work to stabilize state finances. He frames the election as a decision between moving forward with new investments or returning to former financial woes.

He says Rispone would be a repeat of the budget cuts and deficits of former Gov. Bobby Jindal's era.

Rispone has pledged to cut taxes and says he could run government more efficiently.

The runoff election is Nov. 16. The governor's ad started running statewide Tuesday. Rispone's also expected to release his first runoff ad this week.