NRCC MEMO: LOUISIANA RUNOFF RESULTS
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2010
SUBJECT: LOUISIANA RUNOFF RESULTS
Louisiana has been ahead of the curve in opposing Washington’s big-government agenda. George W. Bush and John McCain both carried the state easily, and it has been trending Republican throughout the past four presidential elections. Historically, the majority of Louisiana’s congressional districts tend to elect Republicans. Since Charlie Melancon saw his chances of re-election in the conservative South Louisiana seat diminishing, he decided to abandon his re-election race and leave the seat up for grabs for Republicans. After supporting an agenda of higher taxes, bigger government and excessive spending, the out-of-touch majority has sparked an anti-Democrat sentiment throughout the country, but especially in Louisiana. The results of tonight’s runoff prove that Republicans are energized and poised to win Louisiana’s Third Congressional District.
Open Seat:
LA-03 (Rep. Charlie Melancon, D)
After voting for his party’s failed trillion-dollar stimulus which only led the nation further into recession, alleged Blue Dog Democrat Charlie Melancon knew it was time to flee from this Republican seat. Now, with an open seat in play, there is a solid chance that this conservative district will flip to the Republican column in November.
Likely to put this seat in Republican hands is tonight’s runoff winner Jeff Landry. As a small business owner, veteran and attorney, Landry understands the challenges facing Louisiana and our nation. Born and raised in South Louisiana, Landry started working in the sugar cane fields just out of high school. He then went on to serve in local law enforcement before joining the Louisiana National Guard and later the United States Army. By working for the St. Martin Economic Development Authority and co-founding his own small business, Landry understands how to leverage local resources to create jobs.
Facing off against Jeff Landry in November is Democrat candidate and business attorney Ravi Sangisetty, whose youth and inexperience is accentuated by his atrocious voting record. By his own admission, Sangisetty never voted prior to 2009 – even skipping the 2008 presidential primary election while working for Hillary Clinton. Sangisetty claims he was “apolitical” then and “didn’t have that much of an interest in politics” less than two years ago. With the country in economic turmoil, Louisiana families deserve more than what Sangisetty can offer them – unreliability. In a job that requires strong conviction and advocacy, Sangisetty’s blank voting record begs the question: What does he even stand for?
Energized and ready for change, Louisiana voters will turn to the polls in November to elect a representative who will work toward reviving Louisiana’s economy and creating much needed jobs in the district. Jeff Landry is the only real leader in this race determined to turn the page on the Democrats’ failed economic experiment.
History: Melancon narrowly won in 2004 after running for the seat vacated by retiring Republican, Billy Tauzin. In 2008, John McCain handily won this R+12 district with 61 percent of the vote. In 2004, George W. Bush won with 58 percent of the vote.
Geography: Louisiana’s Third Congressional District includes most of the southern portion of the Greater New Orleans area, including Louisiana’s swamplands and Cajun country. The district includes over a dozen parishes and the cities of Chalmette, Gonzales, Houma, Thibodaux, Morgan City and New Iberia.
Election Results
The following are the unofficial results from Saturday’s runoff election in Louisiana.
These results are UNOFFICIAL AND INCOMPLETE until certified by the Louisiana Secretary of State:
*Denotes winner
LA-03 (GOP Runoff):
53% Precincts Reporting
Jeff Landry 12,959 69%*
Hunt Downer 5,739 31%