By The Numbers for Week 8 of the Prep Football Season
October 28, 2015
Lafourche, Terrebone Halloweens moved to Friday
October 28, 2015
The local race for District 20 senator was settled without the need for a runoff by a single percentage point, with state Sen. Norby Chabert besting challenger Mike Fesi by a vote of 11,9211 to 9,944, according to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State.
A total of 1,456 votes – or six percent – went to candidate Mark Atzenhoffer.
The mix gave Chabert 51 percent of the vote, eliminating continued waging of a vigorous and, in some ways, contentious race between the two front-runners.
“Long race,” Chabert said, after learning of his victory.
The race was hard-won.
Chabert stood on his record of voting and service. Fesi’s campaign challenged that very record, with strong accusations that Chabert was not a friend of marine transportation firms and by extension the local economy and oilfield service sector.
“We are excited with the outcome of the election given the circumstances, the negative campaigning and the outrageous amount of money my opponent spent it was a strong statement. I am excited about getting back to work on behalf of the people of Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.”
Fesi came out swinging at Chabert’s use of his campaign contributions prior to the race, which included purchase and distribution of sports event tickets, as well as parties that Fesi’s campaign suggested were improper.
The use of campaign funds – according to the Louisiana Ethics board – enjoys wide discretion, so long as the candidates themselves do not benefit from the expenditures.
Pressed on whether he thought the ethics laws need changing, Fesi demurred.
Fesi, who personally financed his campaign, said Chabert’s contributors should know where the money went. Chabert countered that he broke no laws, and that any expenditures can be viewed by anyone on the Ethics Board’s own website.
Fesi’s handlers, however, were quick to criticize local media outlets for not making the accusations more of a story.
Despite the war of words that ensued during the campaign, Fesi was conciliatory in his statement acknowledging defeat, congratulating Chabert and offering his future assistance.
“The voters of District 20 have spoken,” Fesi told supporters. “While the results may not have been what we hoped for, we must be grateful to live in a society that not only allows for, but demands that a true democratic election be held. I respect that process and I am thankful for the opportunity to have been able run for public office.”
Chabert said his first order of business now that the campaign is over will be preparation for a legislative fiscal session, at which lawmakers will grapple with state budget shortfalls. •
