Democrats Land Recruit Against Boustany

One of the more notable developments this election cycle is the Democrats’ ability to compete in the Deep South, a region where most House Republicans have traditionally faced little opposition.

Two of the party’s recent special election victories came in Southern districts in Louisiana and Mississippi long held by Republicans, ones that were carried by President Bush by double-digits. And the party has recruited a handful of credible candidates throughout the region that have shown the ability to raise money and run competitive campaigns.

That trend continued today with the decision of Louisiana state senator Don Cravins Jr. to challenge Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La.) in a conservative-minded district in southwest Louisiana.

Cravins, an African American legislator who frequently touts his culturally conservative credentials, has gotten off to a relative late start but will likely be receiving national support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which courted him to run.

About 30 percent of districtwide voters are African-American, raising Democratic hopes that Obama’s presidential nomination can be a significant asset downballot.

"I share the values of faith and family that we have in Louisiana, I'm pro-life and pro-gun, and I have a proven record of working in a commonsense, bipartisan manner to get things accomplished,” Cravins said in his campaign’s kickoff statement.
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