Opinion

Women, minorities seeking top state offices

In 2018, Time.com reported that there was an unprecedented surge of first-time female candidates, mostly Democratic, running for various positions, from the U.S. Senate and state legislatures to local school boards.  This new phenomenon is certainly indicative of Louisiana’s current state ballot. 

In the Oct. 12, 2019, election there are women and minorities vying for the top positions in Louisiana state government, including lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state attorney general, and commissioner of agriculture and forestry. 

Emerge Louisiana, a program whose goal it is to “change the face of politics by recruiting, training and providing a powerful network for Democratic women who want to run for office,” reported that they have a record 21 Emerge Louisiana alumnae running for office in the October race. According to Emerge, these women are professionals ranging from doctors and professors to small business owners and veterans.

Some of the noted minority candidates seeking the top leadership positions in the Louisiana executive branch are: Willie Jones, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, who has been endorsed by the Democratic Party.  Jones, an independent claims adjuster who has served on the Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee, is promoting diversity and is pushing for tourism in every parish. 

As reported by the August 30, 2019, News Star, two women are vying for the secretary of state position. “Gwen” Collins-Greenup, who made it to last year’s runoff, but lost to Kyle Ardoin, 59 percent to 41 percent, is trying it again. Greenup, who was endorsed by the Democratic Party, says she is “running for secretary of state because Louisiana needs someone who will restore trust to the office and work to protect voters and the elections they vote in.” 

The other female vying for the position is newcomer Amanda “Jennings” Smith, a Republican, who stated, “…..I am not a sellout, highly efficient, and will stand firm against cyber-attacks or any assault against our historical history that as your secretary of state, would be entrusted to me. I am a firm believer that to preserve our future, we must preserve our past, especially in today’s digital age.”

Also running in the October election are attorney Derrick Edwards, a Democrat, and Teresa Kenny, no party,. They are seeking the office of state treasurer. Ike Jackson Jr, a Democrat, is vying for the attorney general position; and running for the commissioner of agriculture and forestry position are Marguerite Green and Peter Williams, both Democrats.

Please be reminded that this is a very important election, scheduled for this coming Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.  

If you did not get an opportunity to vote early, the polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Voting locations in Grambling are (depending on where you live):  Grambling Town Hall (all GSU students living on campus will vote at the Town Hall); Mt. Olive Fire Station; Reese-Hall Tech Farm; Victorious Faith Church (formerly Catherine’s Dance Studio) and McLane Recreation Center

PLEASE VOTE!! IT IS A RIGHT THAT MANY OF OUR FOREFATHERS FOUGHT FOR US TO HAVE!!!!