A poll conducted by the Democracy Project and Tulane University showed that Lt.
Governor Mitch Landrieu has a strong 70% approval
rating in New Orleans. Landrieu has lost two previous New Orleans
mayoral campaigns, and was defeated by Ray Nagin
in the 2006 runoff election. According to consultant James
Carville, who contributed to the poll, "Landrieu would be the odds
on favorite to get into the runoff." Yet, there is still a big question as
to whether he will enter the race. The election is set for February 2010 with
qualifying starting in only seven months. Landrieu says that he will not make a
decision until after the legislative session ends in June. Some Democrats hope
Landrieu passes on the mayor’s race and concentrates on challenging Governor Bobby Jindal in 2011. If Landrieu is able to
win, he will have to vacate his position as Lt. Governor and a special election
will be called to fill out the remainder of his term. Already, two prominent
Republicans are telling friends and supporters they will enter the race if the
position becomes vacant. State Senator Mike Michot
(R-Lafayette) is term limited and seriously considering running for Lt.
Governor. Also, rare coin dealer Paul Hollis of Mandeville, who briefly entered
the 2008 U.S. Senate, is starting to plan a potential statewide campaign for
Lt. Governor, running as a candidate with a strong track record as a
conservative businessman. His father, Ken Hollis, served as a State Senator
based in Metairie .
