Ringside Politics With A Punch

In the last week before qualifying, the surprise entrant into the race for Congress was Councilman James Carter of New Orleans. For months, political insiders have speculated about the future political prospects of Carter, a Democrat. He has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Mayor or Council at Large in 2010 among other offices. Carter put the questions to rest when he decided run for the 2nd congressional district, a seat currently held by embattled incumbent Bill Jefferson.

Carter will be a formidable contender in what will be a crowded and expensive race for Congress. He has made his mark on the Council by working to reduce crime and serving as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee. His council district includes both banks of the Mississippi River and diverse neighborhoods such as the French Quarter and Algiers. After two years on the New Orleans Council, Carter is well known to Orleans voters, but the 2nd congressional district includes most of Orleans Parish as well as sections of Jefferson Parish on the West Bank and south Kenner. His challenge will be to gain support in Jefferson Parish and compete against an array of formidable challengers such as Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee.

In the last hour of qualifying, another surprise candidate entered the race, Orleans Parish School Board Member Jimmy Fahrenholtz, who is a familiar figure to local voters after a high profile stint on the Orleans Parish School Board. Fahrenholtz has been known for his efforts to reform the public school system and has waged many battles with fellow board members during his tenure. His major challenge will be to raise adequate campaign funds in a short time frame.