Rick Santorum Wows The Important Louisiana Pentecostal Vote

I thought this article was interesting on many levels. See During Alexandria visit, Santorum says he tries to 'keep prayer at the center of my life".

A few couple of things to keep in mind.

It would be a mistake to equate Pentecostals in Louisiana in many ways to Evangelicals as to politics. For decades the Louisiana Pentecostals have been the White version of the black Protestant Church in engaging politicos in intimate Church settings. They have also had at times been one of the few white religious groups that seem to vote in block in many ways once it's decided whom shall be supported. Getting the Pentecostal vote is important in State and local politics here in many regions. Especially in the rural Parishes.

This is not a demographic that just goes in ,and pulls the level for a Republican. This is a Faith community , and indeed whose Chief Pastor was very close to the Clintons.

Bill Clinton in fact when President came down for a special concert just for him. It is a Church that in areas of it's biggest strength have been pretty good voters for Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu. When Edwin Edward was in office it was generally his most loyal white supporters. In other words it's a religious vote that can be truly be up for grabs by both parties which makes it fascinating to watch to me. The fact that it is more open to Republicans has been I think more of a process as Republicans have engage it.

The vote is concerned with what many call the "culture" issues , but because of it's economic demographic is concerned with the local meat and potatoes issues.

I think one reason why Rick Santorum might do well with this vote is not only his Faith , but sort of that blue collar ethic he has. I have a feeling that helps him here.

The Pentecostal and related Baptcostal vote is a different dynmaic than lets say talking to a regular white Evangelical mega church. I was interested in seeing how Rick Santorum would interact with it. It appears well.