Posted on 11/16/2002 6:17:54 AM PST by GraniteStateConservative
A survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies for Susan B. Anthony List shows Suzanne Haik Terrell leading incumbent U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu by 8% among likely run-off voters.
The poll conducted on Nov. 10-12 by Wilson Research Strategies surveyed 503 likely run-off voters in Louisiana. The margin of era is +/-4.4% at the 95% confidence level.
The survey also showed that Terrell performs much better with her base than does Landrieu. Among registered Republican voters, Terrell acquires 73% of the vote compared to 16% for Landrieu. With registered Democrats Landrieu nets 51% with Terrell receiving 42% of the vote.
The Susan B. Anthony List and its connected PAC (SBA List Candidate Fund) support pro life causes and candidates.
U.S. Senate candidate Suzanne Terrell got a boost Friday as the fourth-place finisher, conservative state Rep. Tony Perkins, said he will actively work to help fellow Republican Terrell beat incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu. Perkins, who had strong support from pro-family, pro-life forces, said he's become convinced that Terrell shares his views on issues important to his followers.
"I am convinced now that she holds the right position on issues like the right-to-life, lowering taxes, the Second Amendment, defense and the family," Perkins said.
"I have no doubt, with her political insight and understanding, that she will hold fast to those decisions," he said.
Just as importantly, Perkins said, Terrell has agreed to work with him to mend fences between the moderate and social conservative wings of the state Republican Party so Louisiana can become a "real two-party state."
"We have agreed it is an appropriate time to put the past behind and together pursue Louisiana's future," said Perkins, who is eyeing a bid for statewide office next year.
The endorsement came on the same day a trio of Democratic lawmakers said Terrell should "temporarily step aside" as state elections commissioner since her office is overseeing the election.
A trio of Republican lawmakers and Terrell quickly responded that the Democrats' concern is "a false issue" and wondered why they are so suddenly concerned.
Terrell and Landrieu face each other Sunday on the national "Meet the Press" talk show at 8 a.m. on NBC affiliates.
Vice President Dick Cheney visits Lafayette and Monroe on Monday on Terrell's behalf.
On Friday Terrell welcomed the endorsement from Perkins, whose active support has been considered key to efforts to solidify Terrell's GOP base going into the Dec. 7 runoff election.
Perkins is "well-respected as a legislator beyond his so-called social conservative people. He has the respect of a lot of people," said Terrell in a telephone interview from New Orleans.
Perkins garnered 10 percent of the vote in the Nov. 5 election. Landrieu finished first with 46 percent of the vote, followed by Terrell with 27 percent, then Republican U.S. Rep. John Cooksey, with 14 percent. The remaining five candidates split 3 percent.
Cooksey endorsed Terrell on election night but since then has said he won't actively help her because of last-minute attacks he says came from Terrell and Perkins camps. Both have denied the allegation.
"Everytime you have someone who comes on board, it expands your ability to get votes. We want to get every vote of those 54 percent that didn't vote for Mary," Terrell said.
Perkins said he will actively work for Terrell, contacting his supporters, making appearances for and with her, and doing radio ads, particularly on Christian radio stations.
"I will be working with them (supporters) through any concerns they may have," Perkins said.
Terrell, a moderate Republican, said she agreed with Perkins that the state Republican Party needs to be "a very inclusive party that doesn't take people for granted, that will welcome the social conservatives into the party as active players."
Terrell and Perkins have been on opposite sides in intra-party fights over leadership. Perkins also questioned Terrell's anti-abortion credentials during the campaign, noting that she helped sponsor a Planned Parenthood event in New Orleans.
Asked how Terrell convinced him of her pro-life commitment, Perkins said, "As I said, I don't know where she stood prior to the race. I know where she stands now. At some point and time, you just have to take someone at their word."
Perkins pointed to public statements Terrell made during the campaign and positions posted on her campaign Web site.
Over the last week, Perkins said, he's received "almost as many phone calls as I received votes" in the Nov. 5 election.
Included were "many conversations" with the White House and the Republican National Committee about the importance of the U.S. Senate race to President Bush and the country, he said.
Three Democratic legislators supporting Landrieu held a news conference to question the political wisdom of Terrell supervising the election where she's on the ballot twice -- once as a candidate and again as commissioner.
Participating were Legislative Black Caucus chairman Rep. Arthur Morrell, D-New Orleans, and state Sens. Kip Holden, D-Baton Rouge; and Rob Marionneaux, D-Maringouin.
Marionneaux said Terrell may want to "avoid the stain of Florida" where Republican Secretary of State Katherine Harris ran into major election turmoil in the 2000 presidential race.
A trio of Republican lawmakers supporting Terrell replied in a news conference a short time later.
"We need to focus on issues," Sen. Jay Dardenne said. "Obviously, they are reaching to create an issue."
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie, said maybe Landrieu's upset because Terrell's doing such a good job.
Mrs. Terrell isn't a moderate. If you look at her positions on the issues, she is a solid conservative. As a city council member in New Orleans, I'm sure she had to work with so many liberals that she may have seemed moderate, but the positions that she's bringing into this race are solidly conservative. On many issues, I'm as much a Bob Smith/Alan Keyes/Pat Buchanan conservative as anyone, and I almost switched to her campaign. She is also a very personable campaigner who people will like when they meet. I hope her appeal to moderates will be in persuading them to become more conservative or showing them how conservative they really are.
WFTR
Bill
Funny line!
More details are here:
I did notice that mention of his interest in a statewide office next year. :-) Probably explains why he's being a team player right now.
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