David Duke’s inclusion derails Louisiana Senate race debate

Inside, six candidates were on the debate stage, but much of the focus was squarely on the former Ku Klux Klan leader even though he’s lagged in the polls and hasn’t made much of a splash in state politics since making a gubernatorial runoff 25 years ago.

Democratic lawyer Caroline Fayard called Duke a “snake.” Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy called Duke a liar. Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said Fayard has been lying about him as she tried to connect him to Duke. Campbell said he has nothing in common with Duke except both men were “breathing.”

Republican U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming largely tried to ignore Duke as they sought to distinguish themselves from the major competitors, but the debate turned time and again to Duke, who narrowly reached the 5 per cent polling benchmark set by Raycom Media for participation in the debate broadcast across most of Louisiana.

Duke suggested Kennedy, the race’s front-runner, tried to raise taxes on homeowners and that all five of his competitors on the stage were “beholden to big money.”

In response, Kennedy cited Duke’s prison number. Duke spent a year in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2002 to bilking his supporters and cheating on his taxes.

Duke claimed he was “targeted by the government.” When moderator John Snell of WVUE-TV interrupted Duke to explain he pleaded guilty to the crime, Duke yelled: “You’re a typical media hack!”

Two dozen people are vying Republican David Vitter’s seat. He isn’t seeking re-election.

Reporters were not allowed inside the auditorium while the debate was being recorded and instead had to watch it on television in a separate room.

Melinda Deslatte And Kevin McGill, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

David Duke’s inclusion derails Louisiana Senate race debate

What's Trending