Down-ballot news: Election Day in Louisiana!

A few days after the special election in MA-05 comes the season's second Election Day, that of the first round of the Louisiana gubernatorial election. GOP Rep. Bobby Jindal is the overwhelming favorite to take this seat away from Democrats, the question only is whether he will do so today or during the runoff in a few weeks. Jindal is not particularly at risk in a runoff, but he was down this road again and lost in 2003, so he would love getting it over today (look at the special election in CA-50 in 2006, for example, where the Democrat got oh-so-close to 50% only to fail in the runoff).

Recent polls have shown him in the high 40s, very close to the needed majority. Adding to his chances is the fact that Democrats failed to get a high-profile candidate. As a result, many are dividing the percentages remaining: Democrats Walter Boasso, a state Senator who recently left the GOP, and Folster Campbell, the Public Service Commissioner. Another candidate who could get to the runoff is independent businessman John Georges.

• Johnson running for re-election
  

South Dakota is one of only two vulnerable seats Democrats have to defend in 2008, the other being, well Louisiana (we will hear much more from that senate race once the gubernatorial race is over). It soon became apparent that no GOPer was willing to challenge Tim Johnson, and that the only way Republicans would put the seat in play would be if it opened up. Johnson has repeatedly emphasized that he would run for re-election, but people keep doubting him. Yesterday, Johnson issued a statement that could be the definitive answer to all the retirement rumors:

After months of rehabilitation and recovery, more than a month on the job in Washington and after my recent trips back to South Dakota it is clear, to my family, my doctors, and me that I am able to do the hard work required of a United States Senator. Today I am asking South Dakotans to give me the chance to give back to them by announcing that I will run for re-election in 2008.

It remains to be seen whether any high-profile Republicans will jump in the race. The only one who could give Johnson a serious challenge is Governor Rounds, and he appears very unlikely to get in at this point. If he doesn't, it is likely Democrats won't have to sweat on this race too much, and will only have to worry about Louisiana -- an ideal situation to go after many GOP seats.