Louisiana Governor's race heating up

As is the case with everything else, Louisiana is a little different when it comes to politics. Not only do they hold their state elections in odd years, the elections are free-for-alls: the top two vote getters (without a majority) head to a runoff, which may include two candidates from the same party. This year's governor's race will be centered around Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (and the government's efforts associated with the aftermath of the storms).

From centerforpolitics.org:

Fair or not, [Gov. Kathleen Babineaux-Blanco] was seen as ineffective in the storm's aftermath, compared to Governor Barbour in the Magnolia State. Blanco and Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans received as much blame locally as President Bush and his incompetent Federal Emergency Management Agency. So far Blanco has been unable to recover, and she is seen as a clear underdog for a second term. Her foremost opponent is her 2003 GOP foe, Congressman Bobby Jindal, who lost last time mainly because of racial voting in the conservative white precincts of northern Louisiana. (Jindal would have been the first Indian-American Governor in U.S. history.) This time he is seen as a strong favorite over Blanco if she makes it into the general election.

The unique free-for-all Bayou State primary on October 20th will produce two top finishers, should no one secure a majority (both can be Democrats, both can be Republicans), with the run-off general election on November 17th. Should a weakened Blanco run in third place, for example, Jindal would have to face an unknown November opponent who could--could--be a more difficult hurdle than the incumbent Governor. As of yet, it is unclear who the other candidates will be, but in this state's wild politics, anything can happen. A second Republican, State Sen. Walter Boasso, has already announced, but Jindal has the vast majority of the GOP on his side. Democratic Public service Commissioner Foster Campbell is another likely candidate. The scenario being most widely discussed now is a surprise: Blanco could step aside, and popular former U.S. Senator John Breaux (D) would take Blanco's place in the race. (Breaux and Blanco have been allies, and Breaux has recently raised some money for her reelection.)