Gubernatorial Hopefuls Meet In Forum

October 24th is still months away but that's the day at least 4 Louisiana residents have circled on their calendar as the most important day in their political lives. The four main candidates for Louisiana Governor, Republicans David Vitter, Scott Angelle, Jay Dardenne, and Democrat John Bel Edwards gathered on Friday morning in Lake Charles to answer to meet the voters and talk about the future of our state.

Each of the candidates was asked why he would be the best choice for Louisiana's next Governor. Each candidate had a different point of view on their particular strengths.

United States Senator David Vitter said of the issues facing our state and the next Governor,

"Address them squarely, not kick the can down the road, not avoid them and not play politics with them," said Vitter. "That's the only reason I'm in this race."

Vitter is considered by many to be the front runner for the office at this time.

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne explained to the forum why he would want to take on what appears to be one of the most difficult jobs in the nation.

"My answer is that I'm excited about facing these challenges. I feel like I've prepared my entire life of public service to give me the opportunity to help Louisiana address the serious problems that we have right now."

 

Current Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle broke down the question to the family unit in describing how he would take on the office.

"When you have 15 years of teenagers in your house, you learn how to lead. You learn how to manage, you learn how to say now and you learn how to get a long and move that ball forward."

John Bel Edwards in his response suggested that Louisiana did not get into such bad shape overnight. His  comments suggested that perhaps some of the other candidates were content to sit back and watch it happen.

"I don't know where my three colleagues where at that time, because it was very lonely. When Governor Jindal was at 70% but making bad decisions, I was by myself. Now that he's 30% and on the way out the door, there's a lot of people joining me."

The four candidates appeared at a forum in Lake Charles sponsored by the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. Information for this story was compiled with information reported by the Louisiana Radio Network.