Popular Louisiana Senator John Kennedy has announced he will not run for Governor, paving the way for a battle between conservative businessman Eddie Rispone, and establishment Congressman Ralph Abraham.
According to Politico:
“Louisiana GOP Sen. John Kennedy will not run for governor of his home state next year, opting to stay in a chamber where he’s become known for dishing out quotable comments and lingering in front of TV cameras…
“I love being in the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for governor in 2019,” Kennedy said. The Senate is “where I think I can do the most good.”
Risbone, a conservative businessman from Baton Rouge, is the only Republican candidate in the race so far.
Risbone says he will do whatever it takes to win, and is prepared to spend at least $5 million of his own money.
However, rumors are swirling Rep. Ralph Abraham will enter the race.
According to Roll Call:
“Louisiana Rep. Ralph Abraham signaled he will likely run for governor next year but stopped short of fully committing to the race.
“If I had to make a decision today, it would be that I was running,” the 5th District Republican said in an interview with the Monroe News Star, pledging to make a final decision by Jan. 1.”
Abraham, a Congressman representing the state’s 5th District, is known to be friendly to Speaker Paul Ryan and the Republican establishment.
Abraham has opposed President Trump on multiple pieces of important legislation, and received a “D” from FreedomWorks this term because of his terrible voting record.
He also received the same dismal grade from the Heritage Foundation. His ranking from conservative Club For Growth isn’t much better, it’s a “C.”
The winner of the Republican nomination will face incumbent Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards.
