On Saturday, almost 2 million Louisiana voters went to the polls to vote for a governor, other statewide offices and several local positions. Bobby Jindal, son of Indian immigrants, won the election with 54 percent of the vote, avoiding a Nov. 17 runoff. The closet competitor was Walter Boasso with 17 percent of the vote.
Jindal is the first person of Indian descent to become a U.S. governor. He started a “Thank You” tour across the state this week. He has visited Monroe, Shreveport and Lafayette, among other cities.
Rep. Rick Gallot of Grambling easily beat Delores Wilkerson-Smith and Edward Jones for the District 11 seat, receiving 63 percent of the vote in his re-election bid.
However, for Lincoln Parish Police Jury Districts 1 and 2, a run-off will decide who wins between Theresa Moore-Wyatt and Charles Owens. Wyatt received 39 percent of the vote, while Owens nabbed 34 percent.
Hazel Hunter defeated current police juror, the Rev. Eddie Allen with 56 percent of the vote to claim the position.
In statewide races, Democrat Mitch Landrieu was reelected lieutenant governor with 56 percent of the vote. Winning secretary of state was Republican Jay Dardenne, 63 percent. In the attorney general’s race, Republican Royal Alexander and Democrat James “Buddy” Caldwell will meet in a runoff.
Longtime agriculture commissioner Bob Odom (Democrat) was forced into a runoff with Republican challenger Mike Strain. Republican Jim Donelon narrowly retained his post as insurance commissioner with 51 percent of the vote.
People trying to keep up with election results overwhelmed the Secretary of State’s Web page with 6.2 million hits over the weekend – about 124 times the usual number for a two-day period.