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Report: Vitter Could Face GOP Primary Challenge From General Honoré


Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

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The 2010 Louisiana Senate race, in which scandal-plagued incumbent Republican David Vitter is running for re-election, just keeps getting more interesting.

BayouBuzz.com reported today that Army Gen. Russel Honoré, best known for his role in coordinating military relief in Hurricane Katrina, is strongly considering a Republican primary challenge against Vitter.

Honoré reportedly describes himself as "pro-life and pro-family," which could provide an interesting contrast to Vitter -- who is also pro-life and pro-family, but is also known for patronizing prostitutes. Another famous description of Honoré is the one given to him by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin: A "John Wayne dude."

Honoré is of an African-American Creole background, and could provide the Republicans with a high-profile spokesman of a minority background. (Yes, the party does have Michael Steele and Bobby Jindal, but those two haven't worked out so well.)

Democrats have united around Blue Dog Congressman Charlie Melancon. If Honoré does run, the challenge for the GOP establishment will be in deciding what manner they'll back the incumbent -- or whether they might subtly cut him loose.

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6 comments

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August 28, 2009 5:25 PM   

Why be subtle? Might be good for the G.O.P. to send a clear message to its boys that, if they preach the line, they gotta walk the line. Who was that former governor of New York?

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August 28, 2009 5:38 PM    in reply to sunnysteve

Why would they want to send that message? They all don't walk the line.

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August 28, 2009 6:11 PM   

Honore would win the seat easily. GOP should cut Vitter loose as he's an embarrassment to them and will continue to be. They could get the same votes from Honore, while adding some diversity to their make-up. Honore would also have gravitas to question the Obama Administration on military issues. Of course I don't think he'd allow himself to play the token minority attack dog role, and Vitter is 100% controllable whereas Honore would be his own man.

I'd be interested in learning Honore's politics, he can't be any more right wing that Vitter. And I don't think even a Blue Dog could beat Vitter otherwise.

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August 28, 2009 6:28 PM   

Shorter version: Vitter May Face Challenge from Repubican Who Doesn't Wear Diapers for Fun.

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August 29, 2009 5:19 PM   

Born and raised near where I was - Pointe Coupee Parish. My dad knew his mom and dad.

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August 31, 2009 10:58 AM   

The thought that Louisiana Republicans would choose someone of African-American heritaqge over a white opponent is absurd. I'm a lifelong Louisianian who's old enough to know this.

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