LRN PM Newscall October 30

A few weeks ago, Republican Julia Letlow appeared to be a clear favorite in Louisiana’s U-S Senate race. But several political observers now see a much closer contest. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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This is Halloween weekend, and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging you to be extra careful on the roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There are growing signs Louisiana’s U-S Senate race could be closer than previously expected. Washington-based Inside Elections has downgraded the race from Solid Republican to Likely Republican, while Shreveport-based pollster Bishop George now calls it a toss-up. Political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says that helps explain why President Trump is holding a tele-rally for Republican candidate Julia Letlow Monday night…

Cut 3 (07) “…back up.”

Letlow has represented Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District since 2021. She defeated incumbent Bill Cassidy and State Treasurer John Fleming in the Republican primary to advance to Tuesday’s general election.

Letlow has spent the past several weeks visiting all 64 parishes, but political consultant Mary-Patricia Wray says many Republican voters still aren’t energized by her candidacy because they don’t know much about her…

Cut 4 (07) “…to voters.”

Wray says Letlow is well liked by Republican leaders in Louisiana, but it appears she’s having trouble connecting with many conservative voters…

Cut 5 (12) “…she’s trying to attract.”

Sixth District Congressman Cleo Fields from Baton Rouge says Letlow’s opponent, Jamie Davis, has connected with Louisiana voters with his grassroots campaign. Fields says Davis is talking about the issues that’s impacting many Louisianans, higher prices at the gas pump and grocery store.

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This is Halloween weekend, which can be a very spooky time on Louisiana’s roadways. Gregory Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says last year, almost 650 people were injured in crashes during the Halloween period, and some of those people did not survive their injuries.

Cut 6 (08) “…but it is.”

Of those 16 people, three were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

Fischer says especially with little ghouls and goblins walking the streets after dark, you need to slow down and pay extra attention, especially Saturday night.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the dot.”

As for trick-or-treating Saturday night, Fischer says as challenging as it may be depending on the costume, especially for those choosing to dress up as Darth Vader instead of a Stormtrooper, the key is for kids to be able to be seen.

Cut 8 (11) “…better than nothing.”

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If you’re a Saints fan that has been frustrated with the team’s up-and-down start to the season, know you aren’t alone. One longtime fan sent a letter to the organization expressing his frustration with the Black and Gold’s repeated failures. Scott Fazio says he was in Paris to watch the Saints lose to the Steelers.

Cut 9 (14)  “…this is ridiculous.”

Fazio addressed owner Gayle Benson, general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore. He cited repeated issues in the run game and starting slowly offensively, poor draft picks and decisions not to retain players who went on to star elsewhere and a five-year playoff drought. He says he understands losing, but he just wants competitive quality.

Cut 10 (13) “…nothing changes.” 

Benson expressed similar disappointment after the Saints lost three home games in a row before the trip to Paris. It was an uncharacteristically harsh assessment of the team’s need to improve for Benson, but Fazio says without any real change, it doesn’t mean anything.

Cut 11 (10) “…something happen here.”

The Saints are 2-and-5 to start the season and 8-16 under Moore. Their 27 wins over the last four seasons is the team’s worst four-year stretch since the end of the 90s and a sixth season missing the playoffs would be its longest playoff drought since then as well. That era ended in a complete overhaul of the coaching staff and front office.

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It’s that time of year again – before you go to bed Saturday night, go through your house and turn all of your clocks back one hour, because Daylight Saving Time ends at two Sunday morning. While you’re at it, the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal also urges you to check your smoke detectors. Chief Chad Sonnier says the process is very simple.

Cut 12 (06) “…for another year.” 

You hear fire officials say time and time again that smoke alarms save lives, and Chief Sonnier says an incident in West Monroe back in early September epitomizes that sentiment.

Cut 13 (11) “…to get out.”

Sonnier says the fire marshal’s office will go to great lengths to make sure everyone has a working smoke detector inside his or her home.

Cut 14 (10) “…or your family.”