Photo by Brooke Thorington
Treasurer John Schroder officially launches his gubernatorial campaign tonight with a fundraiser in his home parish of St. Tammany. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat said with Attorney General Jeff Landry already having the support of the Republican Party and far ahead in raising campaign funds, Schroder will have to raise millions to catch up.
“It’s nice that he’s having a fundraiser but that’s just the beginning. He needs a minimum of $5 million to even be in the ballpark,” said Pinsonat.
Pinsonat said Landry has been actively fundraising since last fall and Schroder like other Republicans now in the race, put their campaigns on hold until Senator John Kennedy made his decision not to run.
Pinsonat said Schroder and others will need to raise big money and fast.
“And you’re looking at Jeff Landry who’s approaching $10 million and you have these other candidates who’ve announced, they don’t have a lot of money. So you have to say they’ve got a lot of catching up to do,” said Pinsonat.
The last governor’s race that pitted Republicans, Congressman Ralph Abraham and Businessman Eddie Rispone against incumbent John Bel Edwards, proved the importance of campaign dollars versus holding office. Pinsonat said Abraham trailed Rispone and it was a matter of campaign funds.
“We had a congressman from north Louisiana run and he only raised two or three million dollars. He was totally outspent by Eddie Rispone and John Bel Edwards. So, history tells us the governor’s race is about money,” said Pinsonat.
In addition to Schroder and Landry, two other Republicans, two independents, and one Democrat have announced their candidacy for governor.
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