[StBernard] Boasso Officially Joins Governor's Race

[Westley Annis]

Boasso Joins Governor's Race


Posted by Capital bureau 
September 05, 2007 8:53AM


Categories: Elections/Politics 
By Ed Anderson
Capital bureau

BATON ROUGE -- The race for the Governor's Mansion got a little more crowded
Wednesday as Sen. Walter Boasso, D-Arabi, filed qualifying papers at the
secretary of state's office.

Boasso became the sixth candidate to qualify to succeed Gov. Kathleen
Blanco, who chose not to seek re-election after her popularity hit the skids
in the days and weeks following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In other qualifying, Country singer Sammy Kershaw of Lafayette, qualified
for the office of lieutenant governor, becoming the third opponent to
challenge Democratic incumbent Mitch Landrieu. Kershaw, a Republican, said
he will use his singing engagements around the natioin to promote the state
and its culture.

James "Buddy'' Caldwell, the Democratic district attorney of East Carroll,
Madison and Tensas parishes, signed up as the second opponent to incumbent
Attorney General Charles Foti, also a Democrat. The third candidate in then
race is Republican lawyer Royal Alexander of Shreveport.

Caldwell said he has the criminal and civil experience to handle the job as
the state's top lawyer. "The people (of the state) deserve to have their
lawyer have experience. . . and integrity,'' he said.

Shortly aftrer Boasso filed, Sheldon Forest of Duson qualified without party
affiliation to run for governor. On campaign forms, Forest said he owns and
operates a water well. 

Don Johnson of Transylvania qualified to run against Commissioner of
Agriculture and Forestry Bob Odom. Johnson has run unsuccessfully againt
Odom in the past. The only other candidate in the race is Rep. Mike Strain,
R-Covington.

Five hopefuls signed up to make the governor's race Tuesday, the first day
of qualifying: Public Service Commission Member Foster Campbell, D-Elm
Grove; Vincent Castillo, no party affiliation, of St. Rose; Anthony "Tony
G'' Gentile, no party affiliation, of Mandeville; T. Lee Horne III, a
Libertarian Party candidate from Franklin; and U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal,
R-Kenner.

Boasso is the chief executive officer of Boasso America, a shipping
container services company based in six states. He recently announced he is
selling it to a Florida company for $60 million, but the deal is not
expected to close until the end of the year.

Boaaso qualified as a Democrat, after announcing earlier this year he was
leaving the Republican Party. He had been a Democrat until the mid-1990s
when he joined the GOP. He said he left the Republican Party because it
betrayed him by endorsing Jindal after voting not to set up an endorsement
process. Boasso has trailed Jindal widely in recent polls. 

He also has been critical of the the national party and the Republican-held
White House for the response to rescue and rebuilding efforts after
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

The other unknown ingredients in the governor's race are John Georges, a
Jefferson Parish businessman, who has spent money on media commercials and
signs. He said last week he is considering jumping to the Democratic Party
or possibly running as an independent in hopes of improving his low poll
numbers. 

The other wild card in the race is New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, who has
publicly pondered getting into the race. Nagin is a Democrat. 

Qualifying for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general,
secretary of state, treasurer, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of
insurance and state board of education continues at the secretary of state's
office through 4:30 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.
Candidates for legislative seats and local races must do so by 5 p.m.
Thursday at their local clerk of court's office.