Louisiana Primaries Could Make a Difference

Although political pundits have suggested that we should expect a low turn-out for this Saturday’s Presidential primaries, there is reason to believe that the results of this primary, particularly for Democrats, could make a difference. Both Hillary Clinton’s and Barack Obama’s campaigns have indicated that they may be visiting Louisiana later this week. If ground operations shift to Southern states, which seems likely given the amount of delegates Texas offers, then we’ll likely become a battleground, both for symbolic and strategic purposes.

To be sure, the clock is ticking, and we’ll know much more tomorrow night. But I don’t know if it’s appropriate or healthy to just write our state off:

“Most people are going to be cleaning out their sock drawer or washing their car or doing anything but marking their calendars to remind them about the presidential primary,” Bernie Pinsonat, a Baton Rouge-based pollster, said, calling Louisiana’s primary a “nonevent.”

The election is already tight, and it appears that it will continue to be close, even after tomorrow. Next up: Kansas (for the Republicans), Louisiana, Nebraska, Virgin Islands, and Washington.

I anticipate Democrats spending some time here in Louisiana, potentially even touring the State. Both candidates are already airing television commercials in every one of Louisiana’s media markets; their physical presence, given the historic nature of this election, will likely enthuse thousands of voters. And, as they travel South, so will their organizations, which have consistently proven capable of inspiring record turn-out.

If the election were not so close, I’d be inclined to believe people like Bernie Pinsonat. But it is incredibly close, and Louisiana will be important.  Coincidentally, today, Barack Obama’s campaign website reminded visitors about this video: