Pro-Edwards super PAC Gumbo PAC releases two statewide television ads attacking both major Republicans in the race, Eddie Rispone and Congressman Ralph Abraham. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says the Gumbo PAC spent millions four years ago, and it appears they are going for a repeat.
“Quite a bit of money, about $2 million in that campaign, and they are spending money in this campaign. They promise to be on the air all the way through it,” said Cross.
One clip attacks Abraham for not keeping his word of donating his congressional salary to charity, while the other accuses Rispone of hiring foreign workers, not paying employees, and not covering employees’ medical bills. Cross does not believe voters pay much attention to the source of the ads but says they are effective in getting a message to voters.
“It’s damaging information and certainly if you don’t much about Abraham or Rispone, these ads are definitely going to make you think twice about voting for them,” said Cross.
Cross says the initial mudslinging is a sign of things to come throughout this race, as they can be an effective tactic.
“If you are somewhere in the middle and you hear a bunch of bad news, it is probably going to affect you and you are less likely to vote for that candidate. An attack ad can take the shine off a candidate, and call what you know about them into question if you don’t know very much,” said Cross.
Rispone has responded saying, “John Bel Edwards and his liberal cronies are trying to distract you from the fact that under his leadership we are ranked dead last in almost every category. From jobs to healthcare, liberal John Bel has failed Louisiana.”
