2003 Louisiana Gubernatorial

From dKosopedia

The Contenders

Bobby Jindal Republican Kathleen Blanco Democrat

Historical Significance

2003 was a difficult year for Democrats in gubernatorial races, as Republicans picked up seats in California, Kentucky and Mississippi. When well-funded and intelligent Bobby Jindal, state health secretary and former president of the University of Louisiana Health System, placed far ahead of Lt. Governor Blanco and Attorney General Richard Aueyob, many believed history was simply repeating itself. Jindal also received an endorsement from the black Democratic mayor of New Orleans, and in some polls led by as much as 10%. Blanco, however, did not give up without a fight. She was vigorously supported by beloved senator John Breaux and attacked Jindal as being a pawn of outgoing Republican governor Mike Foster. She also ran ads blasting him for the thousands of Medicaid cuts made during his time as state health administrator. Her soft-spoken, unassuming manner and stories about the loss of her teenage son offset the harsh criticism from her ads, thus offering voters a two-prong campaign. Jindal was flustered by the maneuvering and on Election Day, was unable to draw enough white voters to overcome Blanco's strong turnout among blacks and liberal whites. Blanco became Louisiana's first female governor, the only Democrat in 2003 to retain or pick up a gubernatorial seat, and followed in Mary Landrieu's footsteps by proving that Democrats can still pull off tough wins in the South.