WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Two recent polls show Republican Bobby Jindal leading in the race for governor in Louisiana.
A Republican Anderson Group poll of 500 likely voters conducted for the Jindal campaign Oct. 20-21 shows the former state and Bush administration official leading current Louisiana Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco, 43 percent to 38 percent with a margin of error of 4.4 percent.
A Verne Kennedy poll of 600 registered voters, conducted for a group of business leaders Oct. 27-29, has Jindal leading Blanco by a larger 44-to-33 percent margin, well outside the 4 percent margin of error. When leaners are added, Jindal's support jumps to 49 percent while Blanco's increases to 38 percent.
Analysts agree the race is tightening even though Jindal leads in both polls.
Up until recently, the conventional wisdom held Blanco would be an easier winner in the Nov. 15 runoff election. Now the outcome is truly in doubt with Blanco benefiting from the strong support of Sen. John Breaux, D-La., while Jindal enjoys the backing of outgoing GOP Gov. Mike Foster.
Some political analysts suggest the results of Tuesday's elections will have a significant impact on the race in Louisiana. If, as the latest polls suggest, the Republicans are victorious in Nov. 4 governors contests in Mississippi and Kentucky it could provide a spark to spur increased turnout among Democrats in Louisiana who wish to deprive the GOP of a gubernatorial sweep.
