The final gubernatorial debate of the primary is tonight at 7 pm on Gray Television stations.
Governor Edwards is sure to be questioned about the sexual harassment allegations involving his former deputy chief of staff Johnny Anderson. LSU Shreveport Poli Sci professor Jeff Sadow says Edwards’ previous concise deflections on the question have been effective.
“That kind of answer is not going to diffuse it entirely, but it is about the best you can do in that circumstance,” said Sadow.
Edwards is being sued by his former employee Juanita Washington who says she was harassed and assaulted by Anderson.
Eddie Rispone enters this debate as the top polling Republican with just four days until voting. Sadow says the Baton Rouge businessman needs to make himself look good for potential run-off voters.
“If you are out there just sniping each other, in some ways it makes you look like less of a statesman,” said Sadow, who adds “It can be very effective in dislodging voters from one candidate and then hopefully you can do other things to take those dislodged voters.”
A November 16th run-off would be triggered if no candidate cracks over 50% of the vote.
Abraham refrained from attacking Rispone in the last debate despite a salvo of Rispone attack ads, but Sadow says Abraham needs to go on the offensive to hopefully gain some momentum.
“If he is very concerned about that then obviously he is going to hope that he has good answers for whatever attacks are made, but to go on the offensive, and be sure, you are going to have to go after the other guy,” said Sadow.
The debate will be held in Shreveport.
