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Campbell Put in Solid Performance at JJ
from the Louisiana Political Report
In a six minute speech at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner -- where the Democratic elite meet to eat and greet, for tickets ranging upwards to $5,000 - PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell managed to touch on education, corruption, consumer rights and environmental concerns while being interrupted by laughter and/or clapping 15 times. Of course, there are two Democrats in the race for governor, and state Sen. Walter Boasso was given the same amount of time allotted to Campbell at the fundraiser. Clearly sweating, the bulky Chalmette native and, more importantly, recent Republican convert, did his best to cheer for the home team. He was understandably uncomfortable, having come into the fold after being rejected by the GOP for the race's unambiguous frontrunner, Congressman Bobby Jindal of Kenner.
The only wild card from this side of the race is New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, who has avoided answering questions about his aspirations directly. Julie Vezinot, communications director for the Louisiana Democratic Party, says there haven't been any formal meetings with party leadership and it's noteworthy that Nagin is raising money outside of the state and the congressional seat of William Jefferson, a New Orleans Democrat facing federal corruption charges, is in question. But since the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on July 21, the insider buzz has been growing around Campbell, she says, adding that the party is not favoring either candidate. "Foster got an overwhelming support from the (Jefferson-Jackson Dinner)," she says, "It appeared to be a great night for him."
Traditional factions of the party that Democrats need to win on a statewide level are may also be inching slowly over to Campbell's populist message. "I've seen some of those stirrings moving in that direction too in recent months," Vezinot says.
State Rep. Juan A. LaFonta, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Democrat from New Orleans, where the party's black base largely resides, reports that Campbell's grassroots campaign in well underway in the city, although starting off slow with signage only. Boasso's materials, meanwhile, still haven't hit the streets. "This is going to shape up to be an interesting race," says LaFonta, who has not endorsed a candidate.
Jeremy Alford
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