Louisiana politics
In elections for President, Louisiana has been solidly Republican, Romney beat Obama 58-41 and McCain beat him 59-40.
Statewide, in 2008, Landrieu won narrowly over Republican John Kennedy. Louisiana'ss other senator is Republican David Vitter. Its governor, Bobby Jindal is also a Republican, as are 5 of its 6 members of the House of Representatives.
The Senate race
Landrieu is the only Democrat running. On the Issues rates her a centrist. She is a moderate on choice (43% rating by NARAL), a supporter of equal rights for women and minorities, moderate on labor, a supporter of public education, favors expanding oil production in the gulf but is also pro-environment. Progressive Punch rates her the 54th most progressive member of the Senate.
Republicans include Bill Cassidy, who is a member of the House of Representatives, Paul Hollis, who is in the state House and Rob Maness. Polls show Landrieu and Cassidy entering the runoff. On the Issues rates Cassidy a "moderate libertarian conservative". He is anti-choice, favors a balanced budget amendment to the constitution, opposed the Violence against Women Act, has a very anti-environmental record. Progressive Punch rates him the 281st most progressive member of the House.
The polls:
A PPP poll of the general election shows a very close race in the runoff, with Landrieu beating Cassidy by a single point.
Fundraising
According to the FEC, at the end of 2013, Landrieu had raised $5.6 million and had $5.8 million cash on hand. Cassidy had raised $5.2 million and had $4.2 million cash on hand
My take
This is certainly a race to watch, and may make control of the senate hang in the balance until after November; nevertheless, Landrieu has won close races before.