Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond Not Safe At All

In Louisiana the redistricting saga often has the side line of throwing two incumbent GOP Congressmen into what no doubt will be a nasty battle. However what the real interesting story to me is what has been known as the New Orleans seat. To maintain this as a black majority district it had to include a substantial number of rural voters and nice part of North Baton Rouge. How the dynamics of this district has changed is breathtaking.

The progressive blog The Daily Kingfish has a good post looking at this district that is now currently held by Freshman Congressman Cedric Richmond. See Safe District but Not A Safe Seat.
For political geeks like myself this race is a dream come true.

It needs to be recalled that we are sadly going back to the open primary. I thought that was a crucial mistake. I think closed primaries are crucial for party building. But it is what it is.

This could not be happening at a worse time for Congressman Richmond. Republicans in this district could become major king makers. That is if they maintain some discipline and not go voting for a Republican that is doomed to lose anyway.

Social and economic conservative should play smart politics here. There are opportunities to back the right black democrat that would be a improvement to say the least over Congressman Richmond. Further the addition of these Parishes will somewhat keep whoever is in that office a tad nervous. In other words one will not be Congressman for life if he just controls the New Orleans political machine.