GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone was among those to take advantage of early voting this morning in Baton Rouge. Rispone says it is a rewarding feeling to see his name on the ballot after making it into the runoff.
“It really is gratifying to me and it is encouraging to me to see the citizens respond like they have,” said Rispone.
Rispone’s recent statements that Governor John Bel Edwards has tarnished the name of West Point Military Academy has garnered criticism. Rispone says the comments were inspired by talking to veterans along the campaign trail.
“Two West Point people mentioned that to me and I guess I, being politically correct, I should not have brought it up, but two of them came and said they were embarrassed about what he will do to stay in power, that’s why it came to mind,” said Rispone.
Governor Edwards says he is not ashamed of his accomplishments since leaving West Point.
“I have worked every day, every single day, to improve the lives of the hard-working people of our state, regardless of race, political party, or geography. That’s who I am. That’s my record of service. It’s a record that I’m proud of,” said Edwards.
And the Governor reiterated how proud he was that he was able to keep his campaign promise of righting the state’s finances after the Jindal years left the budget in chaos.
“It was the disaster that became Bobby Jindal’s eight years in office that lead me to run for Governor in 2015 when I saw our state clearly careening toward a ditch of financial ruin,” said Edwards.
Election Day is November 16th.
