The Challenge Is Made, As Usual
by JOHN HILL - News Star (excerpt)

BATON ROUGE — There are some things in politics that come with every campaign.

This week, it was the debate challenge.

There are all kinds of groups that hold forums for candidates every election cycle, starting with the spring before the fall election. The Louisiana Chemical Association and the Louisiana Municipal Association are two that quickly come to mind.

In 2003, almost every candidate was making those forums, starting in January.

But this is no ordinary governor's race.

This one is unusual in that one candidate — Republican U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal of Metairie — has been running above 50 percent in the polls for so long that many people have long considered the race over before it began.

It is axiomatic in politics that when you are far ahead, you want to avoid debates and appearing on forums with the other candidates. The theory is that you have everything to lose and nothing to gain.

This past week, (Foster) Campbell challenged the other three major candidates to weekly debates beginning Aug. 20 and continuing through the Oct. 20 primary.

Jindal's campaign said he would debate — but not until after official qualifying Sept. 4-6. You can bet that he will limit the number.

When you are not the frontrunner, you want to debate because you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

PICTURE: Gubernatorial candidate Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell.