A conservative split in Louisianas Senate race has produced a three-way contest that could send it into an election runoff, raising questions about whether the tea party insurgency will cost Republicans a winnable seat.
The Madison Project, which supports tea party challengers, announced radio ads Monday attacking Rep. Bill Cassidy, the most prominent Republican candidate, who has the backing of the establishment. Madison Project officials are trying to boost retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness by questioning Mr. Cassidys commitment to conservative stances on tax cuts and illegal immigration.
Both men are on the ballot in November along with Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, a Democrat who is struggling to win a fourth term. If no candidate gets a majority of the vote, the race goes to a two-person runoff Dec. 6.
I dont think there is really much a of a difference between Mary Landrieu and Bill Cassidy they are both Washington insiders, said Drew Ryun of the Madison Project. It is clear from his record that Bill Cassidy would be another cookie-cutter GOP senator who will follow [Senate Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell, and that is actually what we dont want to see happen.
The Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund, which supports pro-life candidates, announced its backing of Mr. Cassidy on Monday, saying he is the best choice to stop Ms. Landrieu.
She must be defeated. We know that congressman Bill Cassidy will defend the unborn and their mothers, and fight for the conscience rights of taxpayers, said Marjorie Dannenfelser, the funds president.
The latest Real Clear Politics average of polls shows Ms. Landrieu leading the three-way race with more than 38 percent of the vote, compared with about 36 percent for Mr. Cassidy and 9 percent for Mr. Maness.
In Kansas, a hard-fought Republican primary against a tea party-backed challenger left Sen. Pat Roberts wounded, and he is trying to recover before Nov. 4.
Analysts said they expect Louisiana Republicans, including Mr. Maness supporters, will rally around Mr. Cassidy should he emerge in a runoff with Ms. Landrieu.
They will be quick to come back in the runoff, said Republican strategist Roy Fletcher. Are they more conservative then Cassidy? Yeah, they are, but they are also much more conservative than President Obama.
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Louisiana tea partyer could split GOP vote, force Senate runoff