The campaigns of Democratic newcomer Caroline Fayard and Republican veteran Roger Villere are gaining traction among the state’s all-important “chronic” voters in the election for Lieutenant Governor, according to a new statewide survey. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne remains the favorite in the race with the support of 16% of the respondents. Country-Western singer Sammy Kershaw is in second place at 13%. Fayard and Villere follow at 11% and 9%, respectively.
The CMS automated telephone survey was conducted on September 7th among 881 randomly selected voters who have participated in at least three of the state’s four recent major elections. The group is seen as particularly important since voter turnout for the October 2nd special election is expected to be as low as 15%. Louisiana’s hotly contested US Senate election won’t be held until November 2nd. Approximately one-third of Louisiana’s chronic voters remain undecided just three weeks before voting begins, with the remainder supporting lesser candidates.
The September 7th findings indicate a surge for Fayard and Villere compared to previously published independent polls. They also show a steady decline in support for Dardenne in the wake of attacks on him from tea party groups, similar to that experienced by Third District congressional candidate Hunt Downer. Dardenne and Kershaw are recognizable names in Louisiana and have dominated early polls in the race. Both have run for statewide office previously.
Fayard has established significant momentum in Louisiana Democratic circles after receiving the support of former President Bill Clinton. Villere, meanwhile, has gained the endorsement of the Tea Party of Louisiana. Neither candidate has been elected to public office in the past, a drawback from previous years that has been turned into an advantage in elections across the nation in 2010.
