LRN PM Newscall Nov 4

A record number of early voters showed up Saturday to cast their ballots for the run-off. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

__________________________________________

LSU will be missing one of its top pass rushers for Saturday’s big SEC tilt between the Fighting Tigers and Alabama. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo   

__________________________________________

89,623 people early voted on Saturday for the run-off, an all-time record high topping even the first day early voting turnout of the 2016 Presidential election. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Governor Edwards is likely a lot happier with the demographics of this early voting period…

Cut 3 (12)   “…base” 

First-day run-off early voting was up 16 percent over this year’s primary.

Couvillon notes the voters most up for grabs in the coming election were notably absent Saturday…

Cut 4 (08) “…election day.”

Edwards holds a 60-37 percent lead among white Democrats, while Rispone sports a 56-38 percent lead among white independents according to JMC’s most recent poll.

Couvillon says using these numbers you can begin to derive a good best guess for what total turnout might look like for the run-off.

Cut 5 (10) “…primary”

Early voting runs through Saturday.

____________________________________

Louisiana earns an F-grade on preterm birth rates from the March of Dimes’ report card on maternal and infant health.  The state’s preterm birthrate is at 13%, slightly higher than last year.  March of Dimes spokesperson Frankie Robertson says the results look at the health of the mother as it intertwines with that of the child.

Cut 6 (07) “…and after pregnancy.”

Nationally, preterm birth rates increased for the fourth year in a row, earning an overall C-grade.  New Orleans and Baton Rouge rank among the worst preterm birth rates in the nation’s 100 largest cities.  Robertson says the poverty rate is a negatively contributing factor.

Cut 7 (10) “…consequences for health.”

Among the recommendations, group prenatal care, bias training, eliminating structural racism in health care, and increased availability of Medicaid.

Cut 8 (12) “…federal poverty guidelines.”

___________________________________

GOP gubernatorial challenger Eddie Rispone was among those to take advantage of early voting this morning in Baton Rouge.  Rispone says it is a rewarding feeling to see his name on the ballot after making it into the runoff.

Cut 9 (05)  “…like they have.”

Rispone’s recent statements that Governor John Bel Edwards has tarnished the name of West Point Military Academy has garnered criticism.  Rispone says the comments were inspired by talking to veterans along the campaign trail.

Cut 10 (10) “…came to mind.”

Governor Edwards says he is not ashamed of his accomplishments since leaving West Point.

Cut 11 (12) “…I’m proud of.”

And the Governor reiterated how proud he was that he was able to keep his campaign promise of righting the state’s finances after the Jindal years left the budget in chaos.

Cut  12 (12) “…of financial ruin.” 

Election Day is November 16th.

________________________________

Oddsmakers do not have top-ranked LSU beating Alabama this Saturday and ending the Crimson Tide’s eight-game winning streak over the Tigers. Bama is a 6.5 point favorite, but LSU Coach Ed Orgeron listed the reasons on why his team can win…

Cut 13 (12) “…Florida”

Orgeron says the previous eight games in the series between the two schools will not have an impact on what happens this Saturday afternoon…

Cut 14 (12) “…our side.”

LSU has not been able to beat Alabama since 2011 as the Crimson Tide have outplayed the Tigers along the line of scrimmage. But Orgeron believes his defensive line matches up better with the Bama o-line this year and they have a solid run-stuffer in Tyler Shelvin..

Cut 15 (11) “..very well.”

But LSU will be without linebacker Michael Divinity, Coach O says he’s left the team for personal reasons.