The Hindu : Democrats create history

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 17, 2003

International

International

Democrats create history

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington Nov. 16. The Democrats have made history in Louisiana by having a first-ever woman elected Governor of that southern state — with all the precincts counted, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has defeated the Indian-American, Bobby Jindal, by a 52 per cent to 48 per cent margin.

``The people of Louisiana have spoken. We have sent a message to the nation — that is a new Louisiana,'' Ms. Blanco has said. Although towards the end of the campaigning Mr. Jindal did manage to have a lead, analysts were making the point that this was not a ``done deal'' for the Republicans.

``Although our campaigning did not come out on top tonight, Louisiana and America did. I stand before you tonight proud. Proud to be Louisianan, proud to be American,'' Mr. Jindal has said in his concession speech.

Ms. Blanco is said to have carried her native Cajun area and got the better of Mr. Jindal in New Orleans where the Democratic Mayor had endorsed the Indian-American. According to one assessment Ms. Blanco held her own in Mr. Jindal's home city of Baton Rouge and in Northern Louisiana. Mr. Jindal is said to have run strong in the Republican-dominated suburbs of New Orleans.

The Democratic Party was keen on avoiding yet another loss this season at the state level.

The Party lost Kentucky and Mississippi and the recalled election in California.

Since November 2002 the Democrats have lost the Governorships in Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama.

In Presidential election, the South plays a crucial role and both Republicans and Democrats are keen on having all the advantages that come with keeping the state under their control. The 13 states in the South account for 168 electoral college votes, or two thirds of what is necessary to put a person in the White House. In 2000 the Republican candidate, George W. Bush carried the South, something his campaign hopes to repeat next year.

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