From the Cook Political Report (top item on front page):
Former Democratic Sen. John Breaux is seriously considering a bid for Governor of Louisiana. John Maginnis, editor of the highly regarded Louisiana Political Fax Weekly, initially reported the news this morning, and the Cook Political Report has independently verified that it is true. Apparently Democratic Gov. Kathleen Blanco has privately indicated a willingness to step aside if Breaux, or possibly another Democrat, such as Rep. Charlie Melancon, would run instead.None of this is a done deal, but Breaux is serious, and his candidacy would change the face of the race for Democrats.
Breaux is certainly no favorite of mine – indeed, it’s probably hard for most movement progressives to feel too warmly about him. However, it’s not as though I carry a torch for Blanco, and his entrance into this race would be an immediate game-changer. He’d transform this from an uphill battle to a likely hold, and if he won a second term, he’d be around for redistricting. (LA is a state where, if we’re willing to play hardball, we can pick up at least a seat or two with friendlier lines.)
If this is true, this is big.
UPDATE: Much more here from LouisianaGirl.
P.S. The Race Tracker Wiki could use some updating.
I don’t want Melancon giving up his newly safe House seat, because we would almost certainly lose it if he left.
He is not a movement candidate, John Breaux. But he will enable us to hold this seat and derail the GOP’s attempt to hijack the state. And this will also complicate the national GOP’s attempt to hold onto Kentucky, as they will have to spend money to make Jindal competitive in Louisiana. Breaux is not my first choice, but I am fully behind him. Besides, he is a very charming man, even if he is not as far left as I need him to be.