Remarkable news from Louisiana: the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee has canceled a bunch of ads for Mary Landrieu\’s December 6th runoff election against Republican challenger Bill Cassidy.
What does this mean?
Well, it could mean that, Ms. Landrieu, being a proven vote-getter in other elections, is thought of as so strong that she will win without the need for further advertising. And if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you.
Here\’s a more plausible possibility:
-Ms Landrieu won just 43% of the vote to Mr. Cassidy\’s 42% in the general election. The other 14% (doesn\’t add to 100% due to rounding off) went to Tea Party favorite Rob Maness.
-In the runoff election, it stands to reason that Maness voters are going to cast their ballots for the Republican over the Democrat – which, if true, would give Mr. Cassidy a virtually insurmountable edge.
-And since Republicans will be in control of the Senate, Cassidy can spend this month running on the fact that, as part of the majority party, he will have more clout for Louisiana than “Minority Party Mary”.
With all that in mind, maybe the DSCC decided there was no point in throwing more money into a losing battle.
Personally, I would never count Mary Landrieu out. She has been a successful officeholder for her entire adult life, and comes from a celebrated Louisiana political family.
But if I were betting money, it would be on Bill Cassidy. And the DSCC just might be seeing things the same way.
