For the second time this month, Republican President Donald Trump failed to carry a Republican gubernatorial candidate across the finish line in a deep-red state. Last time, Kentucky was the stage. This time it was Louisiana. … The Democrat’s victory Saturday is another demonstration of the limits of Trump’s appeal […] Read more »
Another warning for Republicans: Trump can’t win you your election
After Republicans edged out Democrats in a number of special elections in 2017, Democrats consoled themselves by noting how close they’d run in normally Republican districts. Too bad, came the rejoinder from their opponents. Moral victory or not, narrow losses don’t get you political power. While not wrong, it’s the […] Read more »
Why the Louisiana Governor’s Race Is So Close
The crucial cultural dividing line in Louisiana has always been north-south. Those who live in north Louisiana are mostly Protestant, speak with a familiar Southern twang and, in the modern era, voted heavily Republican. But rural South Louisiana is more Catholic, the accent is like nothing else (as anyone knows […] Read more »
Republicans could lose a second red state governor’s election
It’s down to the wire in Louisiana’s gubernatorial runoff election. In the Saturday election, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards is trying to hold on against Republican Eddie Rispone. It’s the second election in a deep red state in as many weeks that’s pitted local versus national factors. History and polling […] Read more »
In Close Runoff, Democrats Try to Finish Strong in Louisiana
Key Points • In advance of Saturday’s runoff gubernatorial election in Louisiana, the data point to Gov. John Bel Edwards (D-LA) as a small favorite. • We’re moving our rating there from Toss-up to Leans Democratic, but even if Edwards holds on, it may not be by much. • In […] Read more »
Republicans need to study the lessons of 2018 and 2019 before racing to 2020
Whenever there is a special election or an off-year one, you can count on both parties to react in a familiar fashion. They focus on the bright spots and dismiss losses by telling us, “Don’t read too much into it.” Last Tuesday’s elections were a mixed bag for Republicans with […] Read more »