Landrieu wins key endorsement

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) won the endorsement of The Times-Picayune in New Orleans this weekend, a key signal of support for the incumbent in one of the nation’s toughest Senate races.

The Times-Picayune’s editorial board credited Landrieu with bringing “enormous” benefits to the state due to her seniority in the upper chamber and characterized her as a moderate lawmaker.   

{mosads}“At a time when Louisiana is still in recovery mode from storms, broken levees and a massive oil spill, Sen. Landrieu’s knowledge and influence are vital,” the newspaper said.

“In truth, a vote for Mary Landrieu for re-election should be easy for Louisianians — Democrat, Republican or Independent.” 

The newspaper paid special attention to Landrieu’s status as a senior lawmaker in the Senate, a place where longevity and personal relationships are increasingly important.

Landrieu this year became the chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, a strategic post for a representative of the oil-rich state and a fact that The Times-Picayune called a “coup for Louisiana.”

With the state’s other senator, Sen. David Vitter (R), planning to run for governor next year, the state could find its interests underrepresented with two freshmen in the Senate, the newspaper warned.

“Even if Republicans end up in control, Sen. Landrieu would be one of the highest-ranking members of the minority party, with more power than a junior member of the majority party,” the editorial board said. “Her opponents don’t want voters to realize that.”

Landrieu is in a tough reelection matchup against Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and she has been trailing in recent polls.

Cassidy has repeatedly tried to tie Landrieu to President Obama, and the senator has been seeking to distance herself from the administration in the Republican-leaning state.