The last two US House races of the 2004 cycle have been completed with both parties finding a bit of good news and a bit of bad news. Both of these races were held in districts in Southern Louisiana. In the 3rd District Democrat Charlie Melancon defeated Republican Billy Tauzin III by a very small margin (514 votes). Melancon will replace current Republican Congressman Billy Tauzin (father of the candidate who lost). In the neighboring 7th District (to the West of the 3rd) Republican Charles Boustany defeated Democrat Willie Mount in the race to succeed Democrat Chris John (who lost last month's US Senate race). Boustany posted a strong margin, winning 55% to 45%, even though in the November balloting the total vote for the Democrat candidates was 52% (it should be noted that Mount's Democratic opponent in that race, Don Cravins, a veteran state senator who is black, did not endorse her in the run-off).
This means that in the next Congress Louisiana's House delegation will be composed of 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats. It also means that Charlie Melancon should probably expect to face a spirited race for reelection in 2006. Boustany could conceivably face a test next cycle as well, but his unexpectedly high percentage, deep bank account, and the simmering racial tensions among Democrats in that district mean that his seat is probably not in as much immediate danger. Besides, even if it is probably a losing cause given the demographics of his district, many Louisiana Democrats are likely to have their sights focused most strongly on Rodney Alexander's next race for reelection.
Posted by armand at December 5, 2004 11:52 AM | TrackBack | Posted to Politics