Dems Score 'Safe' GOP Seat in Louisiana

Special vote costs Republicans House spot held since 1974
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted May 4, 2008 5:46 AM CDT
Dems Score 'Safe' GOP Seat in Louisiana
Supporters listen to Republican Congressional candidate Woody Jenkins as he greets them in Denham Springs, La. Jenkins lost the election to Democrat Don Cazayoux.   (AP Photo/Tim Mueller, File)

A Democrat snagged a Louisiana congressional seat long held by Republicans yesterday, strengthening Dems’ grip on the House, the AP reports. A special election followed the resignation of 20-year incumbent  Richard Baker and awarded the seat to Don Cazayoux after over 30 years of GOP control. Cazayoux took 49% of the vote to the Republican's 46% in a race that attracted only 24% of voters.

“It's of enormous national significance," said a Democratic consultant. "If we take yet another Republican seat that has been considered safe for years, then every 59% district is at play," he said, referring to the percentage of districts George Bush won in 2004. (More Congress stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X