On Feb. 6, New Orleans residents will vote in a primary mayoral election to replace outgoing Mayor Ray Nagin.
Top candidates in the election include Rob Couhig, John Georges, Troy Henry, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, James Perry and Nadine Ramsey. If no candidate receives 51 percent of the vote, the top two candidates after the primary election will move on to a runoff on March 6.
Speculation has surrounded the mayoral election since Lt. Gov. Landrieu announced his late entry into the race in December. Candidates Leslie Jacobs and Ed Murray, both considered front-runners, dropped out of the election in early January.
Legal analyst and former U.S. Attorney Harry Rosenberg said, “I think that Leslie Jacobs’ withdrawal helps Mitch greatly because they have similar bases. Murray’s assists Troy, perhaps making it a race between Troy and Landrieu.” Murray cited his decision to withdraw from the race in order to prevent an “extremely racially divisive” runoff. He said in a statement, “I am not prepared to get elected at any cost.”
Rosenberg said he recognizes the potential for race to become an issue in the election. “Somebody who runs for citywide office in New Orleans understands that there is a racial divide.”
After reaching the city’s two-term limit and serving for eight years, Mayor Nagin is leaving New Orleans public office. Formerly Cox telecommunications Vice-President, Nagin came into office in 2002 promising to fight political corruption and bring business-like organization to the city.
New Orleans resident and reading teacher Mary Biggers is looking forward to the end of Nagin’s term. “I am ecstatic,” she said. “I am so disappointed in Nagin.”
Crime is one of the major issues in most of the mayoral candidates’ platforms. According to Landrieu’s website, “Mitch’s plan combines aggressive crime fighting techniques, strong leadership from the Mayor’s office and a rededication to crime prevention through community outreach and policing.” John Georges plans to improve coordination between the N.O.P.D. and the D.A.’s office, as well as between local, state and federal agencies. Troy Henry’s website states, “The NOPD’s highest priority should be removing violent and repeat offenders from our streets.”
According to Rosenberg, the election will most likely be between these three candidates. “If you look at polls and campaign contributions, the three leading horses tend to be Mitch Landrieu, Troy Henry and John Georges,” Rosenberg said. “Everybody has an opportunity, but you have to have money and run ads to make it count in the end.”