Attacks in governor's race begin right away

BATON ROUGE – After the last Louisiana governor’s race centered on prostitution allegations and questions of honesty and morality, voters might have hoped the competition for the job four years later would be slightly nicer.

They’ll get no such thing.

Eight months ahead of the Oct. 12 primary, the name-calling and trash-talking has already started, in press releases and emails, on social media sites and in digital advertising. The three announced contenders – and the teams supporting them – so far seem more focused on attacking opponents than asserting their own visions for Louisiana’s future.

Incumbent John Bel Edwards is seeking a second term as the Deep South’s lone Democratic governor, after a 2015 election victory in which he defeated then-U.S. Sen. David Vitter, who was damaged by a prostitution scandal and dislike within his own party.

Two Republicans have announced they’re running against Edwards: U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, a doctor from rural northeast Louisiana in his third term in Congress; and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, a first-time office-seeker and long-time GOP political donor.

Read more: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/louisiana/2019/02/11/attacks-louisiana-governors-race-begin-right-away/2835690002/