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Dardenne still mulling challenge to Vitter

Jindal gets a health scare in latest poll

Education hearing expected to generate fireworks

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Dardenne vs. Vitter?

While Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is favored to win re-election next year in his probable matchup with Democrat Charlie Melancon of Napoleonville, there is still a chance that Louisiana's junior senator will first have to fight through a Republican primary challenge. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, in an interview on the Jim Engster radio program in Baton Rouge last week, said he has not ruled out entering the GOP primary against Vitter and that he continues to receive encouragement from supporters to run. Although Vitter would be considered a favorite in the primary despite his well-publicized affiliation with a Washington, D.C., escort service, a challenge from Dardenne -- a formidable campaigner who hasn't lost a political race since 1987 -- could force the incumbent to dip into some of his $3.9 million campaign bank account earlier than he would probably prefer. With Vitter enjoying an early 12-point lead over Melancon and President Barack Obama's unpopularity in the state serving as a drag on Democrats in general, the challenger's best hope for pulling an upset could come from a divisive and costly intra-Republican fight. The first party primary is Aug. 28, and a runoff, if necessary, is Oct. 2. The general election is Nov. 2.

Unhealthy poll results

A statewide survey released this week says most people think Gov. Bobby Jindal is making at least some progress on the most pressing issues facing Louisiana except in the area of Jindal's foremost expertise: health care. Southern Media and Opinion Research conducted a telephone poll on state politics and the economy, including a question of whether Jindal, the former secretary of the state health agency, has made a lot of progress, some progress or no progress on five separate issues. For "attracting new industries to Louisiana to provide more jobs," 69 percent said the governor has made some or a lot of progress. His positive progress rating was 65.5 percent for "improving highways and roads," 60 percent for "improving public education" and 52.4 percent for "improving state finances to avoid budget deficits." But for his performance in "improving health care for Louisiana residents," only 44.7 percent gave a positive rating. The governor's most significant health care initiative has been stalled while awaiting federal action on a state application to waive the usual Medicaid rules to put his plan into place.

Education fireworks

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