LRN Newscast 17:30 November 4

The Secretary of State’s office is predicting a voter turnout just above 50-percent for today’s election. Several voters we spoke with today, were excited to cast their ballot….
cut 10 (11) “….that’s why”
The US Senate race is the marquee item on today’s ballot. Senator Mary Landrieu is seeking a third term in office. She casted her ballot this morning in New Orleans. Congressman Bill Cassidy and retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness are her main republican challengers. Analysts are anticipating a run-off will be needed to decide this election.

A run-off is also anticipated in the fifth and sixth congressional districts. Vance McAllister is the incumbent in the fifth district, but there are other strong republicans in the field, plus democratic Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo.

The man accused of killing two teenage girls in Breaux Bridge last week remains hospitalized and has communicated very little with authorities about the crash. Jeremy Abraham, an army veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait, may have reportedly suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. LSP Master Trooper Brooks David says Abraham will still face the charges against him whether or not he is diagnosed with PTSD…:
CUT 4 (08) “does have that”
He says they are still waiting on toxicology results to see if Abraham was impaired at the time of the crash.

Hercules Offshore has announced plans to lay off 324 offshore Gulf of Mexico workers by the end of the year. The Houston-based company says the lay offs are a result of a decline in business. The cutback will affect employees who work out of Port Fourchon, Grand Isle, Cameron, Abbeville, Lafitte, Larose and Venice.