LRN AM Newscall November 5

The Louisiana secretary of state wants you to know that the state goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of its elections. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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The race for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District is a close one with Democrat Cleo Fields, Republican Elbert Guillory and three others vying for the redrawn congressional seat.

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The Saints make a coaching change amid a seven-game losing streak. Colleen Crain reports.

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As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…touch our equipment.”

And the voting equipment is sealed before the election to ensure that it is not tampered with ahead of time.

Cut 5 (09) “…before every election.”

And despite what certain people may try to lead you to believe, the voting machines are never connected to the internet. Landry reminds you that in the State of Louisiana, electioneering is not allowed within 600 feet of the polling place – the distance of two football fields – and as such, there is a dress code of sorts when you cast your ballot.

Cut 6 (14) “…before you vote.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

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Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District race has gained national attention after redistricting transformed it into a majority-Black district, with potential implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The election on November 5 features five candidates vying for the seat: four Democrats – State Senator Cleo Fields, Political newcomer from Baton Rouge, Quentin Anderson, Wilken Jones, and Peter Williams, and Republican, Former State Senator Elbert Guillory. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat considers Cleo Fields, the frontrunner.

Cut 7 (11) “…cuts into him.”

With a majority-Democrat voter base in the redrawn district, a Democratic win is anticipated, which could shift the seat from Republican to Democratic control, but Pinsonat questions whether Quentin Anderson will take enough votes away to force a runoff…

Cut 8 (12) “…win in the primary.”

Republican, Elbert Guillory poses some threat to Fields, but Pinsonat says Guillory’s chance of beating Fields is very doubtful.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is highly unlikely.”

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Analysts say today could be a big day for Republicans, based on early voting totals. Louisiana’s early voting turnout set records for in-person voting, with almost a million ballots cast early. JMC Analytics highlighted a drop in Black voter participation, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish. Owner John Couvillon says in 2020, Black voters comprised 30% of early voters; in 2024, they make up only 25% — numbers that he says should bode well for Donald Trump.

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A notable trend is the Republican advantage in early voting. Historically, early voting leaned Democratic, but this year, Republicans led all ten days, achieving a nine-point advantage. Louisiana’s Secretary of State reported that almost 850-thousand voters cast their ballots in person, with more than 103-thousand voting on the final day alone. Couvillon says we should have a pretty clear picture this evening of how Louisiana voted.

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Nationwide trends show a tighter race. Around 55 million have voted early in the U.S., with Democrats holding only a three-point lead—compared to a 14-point lead four years ago. Couvillon says he’s focused on two states…

Cut 12 (13) “…those two states.

 

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Dennis Allen is out, and Darren Rizzi is in. The special teams coordinator takes over as the Saints’ interim head coach after the team fired Allen amid a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi says this is not a day for celebration, and that everyone – not just Allen – is to blame.

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Rizzi says everyone and everything will be evaluated, and changes will be coming.

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Saints Tight End Foster Moreau says it’s a shame that the team couldn’t win more for Dennis Allen.

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Rizzi will coach his first game for the Saints Sunday against the Falcons in the Superdome.

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The 14th-ranked LSU Tigers are gearing up to host 11th-ranked Alabama in what has been dubbed a playoff elimination game. Both teams have lost two games this season, and it’s expected that a three-loss team will not make the 12-team College Football Playoff. Coach Brian Kelly does not want his team to focus on the playoff implications of this game…

Cut 16 (20) “….best is needed” 

For LSU to be its best, it needs a balanced offense. The Tigers used the bye week to work on the rushing attack. LSU enters the game ranked 111th in the country in rush offense, averaging 115 yards a game. Kelly says it will take a team effort to get the ground game going…

Cut 17 (19) “…people miss.”

LSU will not have one of its starting offensive lineman for Saturday. Garrett Dellinger, who has started 25 games at left guard, will miss the game after undergoing tight rope surgery for a sprained ankle. The surgery will allow Dellinger to return the following week against Florida, but he’ll miss the Bama.

Redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga replaced Dellinger when he went down in the Texas A&M loss. Mubenga grew up in Africa before moving to Georgia in 2017. Kelly says Mubenga has picked up the game quickly and has spent the last year and a half on his technique

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