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PrintAugust 29, 2009
A fresh face on the GOP bench?
The palpable hunger for new leadership in the GOP makes most interesting the 2010 Senate run in Louisiana reportedly being mulled by Hurricane Katrina hero General Russell L. Honoré, for the seat currently held by David Vitter, seriously damaged by his name turning up in the client list of a prostitution ring in Washington DC, in 2007.
One opponent announced yesterday, US Rep. Charlie Melancon. Shortly afterward, this intriguing post appeared in Bayoubuzz.com:
The Louisiana Weekly and Bayoubuzz.com have learned that the hero of Hurricane recovery, General Russell Honore is seriously considering entering the Republican Primary for the U.S. Senate seat against incumbent David Vitter. Honore, a Republican since the Reagan Administration and a registered Louisiana voter from his Zachary home, has spoken to friends and supporters in the last two weeks signaling that he is, according to one, "more than 50% sure that he will run."
The item continues:
...one very senior Louisiana Republican predicted that if Honore runs, "He wins." As that GOP party elder further explained to the http://www.louisianaweekly.com/ and Bayoubuzz on the promise of confidentiality, "All he has to say is 'Stuck on Stupid', and Vitter is toast."
AT correspondent Elizabeth Weber Levy writes from Louisiana:
Some LA Republicans find the possibility of Honoré's candidacy worrisome -- he's an unknown, save for his stellar military credentials and his skill during Katrina. Others, however, are throwing confetti.
There are many obstacles to overcome if Gen. Honoré is to end up in the United States Senate two years before the next presidential election. Still, it could happen.
Let's see: an impressive new African-American figure appears in the United States Senate and takes advantage of a rising mood of public discontent to ride a wave of support to a presidential nomination and victory. Not exactly unprecedented, though at this point a long shot. But for those of us watching the bench, this is interesting news. Obama has got to be worried about losing the race card to a black opponent, one whose long track record of leadership contrasts so sharply with his own meager experience. Gen. Honoré is both a fresh face and yet an experienced hand thanks to his military service.
Correction: as readers have pointed out, US Rep. Charlie Melancon is a Democrat, and will not be a primary opponent, as first reported.
Correction: as readers have pointed out, US Rep. Charlie Melancon is a Democrat, and will not be a primary opponent, as first reported.
