A new poll on the governor’s race shows John Bel Edwards at 44%, but Republican challenger Ralph Abraham not far behind at 33%. Abraham’s campaign funded the survey. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the poll also shows Abraham with a 23-point lead over fellow Republican candidate Eddie Rispone, who is at 10%.
Cross says Rispone has a tough job in gaining familiarity among voters, saying he’s got deep pockets but has not spent much on his campaign yet.
Cross says he believes the numbers are quite accurate, stating Edwards’ approval has been as high as 56%, but Edwards certainly has work to do to keep his spot in the Governor’s Mansion. Cross says, "Although Governor Edwards is just a few points away from a majority no one is going to just hand the election to him."
13% of those polled are undecided.
