NRCC Release

TO:                Interested Parties
FROM:         NRCC Communications Division
SUBJECT:    NRCC Memo: LA-06 Special Election Results
DATE:           May 3, 2008

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There is something to be learned from tonight's results. When Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi were introduced into this campaign, Don Cazayoux was leading by a large margin in the polls. Since then, Republicans saturated the Baton Rouge airwaves in an effort to nationalize this contest and make the election about the real life consequences of a Barack Obama presidency and a continued Pelosi-run Democratic Congress. In that time, Republicans made substantial ground.

This election speaks to the potential toxicity of an Obama candidacy and the possible drag he could have down-ballot this fall. We have already seen this impact another congressional race as a Democratic candidate for Congress in Mississippi is denying that he was ever endorsed by Barack Obama. In fact, he has referenced any mention of it by Republicans as an "attack."  And, across the country, Democrats in swing districts still refuse to publicly endorse the candidacy of Barack Obama.

By nature, special elections tend to be competitive and their results are not always a harbinger for the November elections, but what we do know is that a Democrat was clearly favored to easily win this election before Republicans invoked the names of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi. This should come as a warning shot to Democrats. The elitist behavior of the Democratic frontrunner and the liberal and extremist positions that he and his fellow Democrats in Congress have staked their claim to, do not appear to be as salient as they once hoped.
Election Results Roundup
The following are the unofficial results from Saturday's special elections in Louisiana.

These results are UNOFFICIAL AND INCOMPLETE until certified by the Louisiana Secretary of State:

DISTRICT/NAME                      RAW VOTE         %
District 1:
Steve Scalise (R)                                  33,867             75.13%            (DECLARED WINNER)
Gilda Reed (D)                                     10,142             22.5%
Precincts Reporting:                           505 of 505

District 6:
Louis “Woody” Jenkins (R)                  46,741             46.27%
Don Cazayoux (D)                               49,702             49.2%              (DECLARED WINNER)
Precincts Reporting:                           512 of 512