The front-runner in the governor’s race, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, has committed to participating in one televised gubernatorial debate. It will take place on Sept. 15 and it will be shown on TV stations owned by Nexstar.
“There would be so much public pressure on him for not doing any debates. He’s going to give in, so to speak, and do one debate,” political analyst Bernie Pinsonat said.
Landry’s campaign says the AG will not participate in a televised debate on Sept 7, because the Urban League of Louisiana is one of the organizers. A spokesperson for Landry says the participation of the Urban League raises questions about impartiality. because this group seeks to elect Democrats.
The Urban League told the Advocate that its singular focus is to ensure the candidates have the ability to share their platform and reasons they believe voters should have confidence in their ability to lead Louisiana.
“He’s about 40%, and there are 4 to 5% in the polls, so at this point in time almost a shoo-in to be in the runoff.”
Pinsonat also said Landry has no interest in participating in more than one debate, because of his big lead over the other Republican candidates in the polls.
The other development in the governor’s race is that Independent Hunter Lundy has spent more than $1 million on a statewide TV buy that launched this week in all the major TV markets. Pinsonat says $1 million is a decent investment, but Landry remains the clear front-runner.
“You’re going to see Canada spend everything they have during the election, but Landry is so dominant right with his endorsements and everything else. You better have something very novel to start cutting into his base of support.”
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