Louisiana’s senior U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry over four other Republicans in the governor’s race, despite the two men taking different approaches to politics in recent years.
“Today, I endorse Jeff Landry for governor. There are good people in the race, and I am friends with most. But as I’ve traveled the state, Jeff has been the candidate connecting with the most people from all parts of the state,” Cassidy, a fellow Republican, said in a video statement released Monday morning.
Cassidy said he and Landry agree Louisiana needs to prioritize affordable flood insurance, access to mental health services and develop the “new energy economy.” Their common ground on these issues is one of the reasons Cassidy felt comfortable with his endorsement, he said.
But the two men have different political styles. Since winning his second term in office, Cassidy has been more willing to work across the aisle with Democrats in Congress, particularly on infrastructure deals. He’s also been publicly critical of former President Donald Trump.
Landry is more of a conservative firebrand who embraces the far right wing of the GOP. He has enthusiastically supported Trump and actively sought his endorsement in the governor’s race.
Cassidy was also considered a potential candidate for governor earlier in the election cycle, but announced he wouldn’t run for the office several months ago.
Other Republicans in the governor’s race include state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, state Rep. Richard Nelson, state Treasurer John Schroder and business lobbyist Stephen Waguespack. Former state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, a Democrat, and attorney Hunter Lundy, a political independent, are also running.
The primary is Oct. 14, with the runoff election scheduled for Nov. 18 if necessary.
Creative Commons Republished from lailluminator.com
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