Split GOP seeks unity in runoff vote for governor
BATON ROUGE, La. — Republican leaders working to oust the Deep South’s only Democratic governor were trying Sunday to put their intraparty backbiting behind them ahead of Louisiana’s November runoff election, needing a united focus if they want to keep John Bel Edwards from a second term.
National and local GOP officials publicly talked of rallying around businessman Eddie Rispone against the Democratic incumbent in the Nov. 16 election. Privately, they worked the phones, hoping supporters of thirdplace finisher, Republican Ralph Abraham, will shift their backing to Rispone and move past the Risponeled attack ads that hobbled Abraham’s campaign.
President Donald Trump already tweeted his support for Rispone in the headtohead matchup, signaling other Republicans should do the same.
“Congratulations to the Great State of Louisiana. A big night. You will soon have a new and wonderful Governor, (at)EddieRispone,” Trump said in one tweet.
Abraham immediately endorsed Rispone as he conceded the race.
Edwards was forced into the runoff election in his ruby red state when he didn’t top 50% voter support in Saturday’s primary, amid a sixcandidate field. The Democratic governor received 47% of the vote, compared with 27% for Rispone and 24% for Abraham.
Down to one opponent, Edwards’ campaign defended the governor’s bipartisan record in office and quickly lashed out at Rispone, owner of an industrial contracting company from Baton Rouge who has largely selffinanced his candidacy.
Although Rispone has described himself in the outsider mold of Trump, he is no stranger to government issues, working closely with Republican former Gov. Bobby Jindal on workforce development initiatives and an education overhaul that expanded charter schools and voucher programs. He’s donated to GOP candidates and causes for years.
Still, Edwards’ inability to garner support from a majority of the state’s voters raised questions about his reelection chances against a national Republican offensive that includes Trump, who made an election eve appearance in Louisiana, actively working to oust him. The Democrat will need crossparty support to win, in a state that Trump won by 20 points.