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This year, however, two-term Democrat John Breaux is one of the safest senators up for re-election. His challenger, Republican Jim Donelon, has sought higher office three times in the past, running unsuccessfully for District Attorney, Lieutenant Governor and Congress. Despite these campaigns and his leadership position in the state Legislature, Donelon is virtually an unknown statewide. Stronger potential GOP candidates decided to wait until 2002 when Sen. Mary Landrieu is up for re-election.

Donelon is also having trouble uniting his party. Republicans Rep. Billy Tauzin, BreauxÂ's law school roommate, and Gov. Mike Foster have refused to support his candidacy. In fact, Republicans have encouraged Donelon to abandon his bid, afraid hi campaign will energize Democrats at the polls and hurt GOP candidates in local races. A surprising endorsement did come from the Orleans Parish District Attorney, Democrat Harry Connick - the father of the crooner by the same name.

Short of voters singing a new tune, John Breaux will be re-elected to a third term.