Ending months of speculation,
former Louisiana House Speaker Hunt Downer officially filed his papers with the
Federal Election Commission last week announcing his intention to run for the
third congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon
(D-Napoleonville). Melancon is running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent David
Vitter this fall. Downer is a Republican who lost the Governor’s race in 2003.
He served in the Louisiana National Guard for thirty five years and retired as
a Major General. His congressional campaign will have three major themes:
reducing spending, fighting tax increases and addressing the runaway national
debt. With his name recognition and years in elected office, Downer is
considered one of the leading candidates in the race.
