By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-884210.mp3
New Orleans, La. – University of New Orleans political science professor Ed Chervenak had planned for a late night as city election results were counted. But two hours after polls closed Saturday, he knew the outcome. Landrieu won 66 percent of the vote, and with it the mayor's office straight out of the primary.
In second place was management consultant Troy Henry, who got 14 percent. Henry had complained during the campaign that news media reports of Landrieu's commanding lead in the polls could disenfranchise black voters. Chervenak disagrees.
He said Landrieu benefited from happily distracted voters.
Chervenak said that while the turnout for the primary drew about 20-thousand fewer voters than the 2006 election, Landrieu's decisive victory leaves him with considerable political capital.