Gautreaux re-elected to second term in state Senate

Voters in St. Mary Parish elected state Sen. Butch Gautreaux to a second term, and three-term Morgan City Councilman Jarrod Longman as parish assessor.

However, they have yet to decide who will represent them in the State House of Representatives in Districts 50 and 51. Candidates in both races will face each other in runoffs on Nov 17.

Gautreaux’s represents District 21, which includes all of St. Mary and Assumption parishes, the Gibson and Gray areas of Terrebonne Parish, and Schriever in Lafourche Parish.

Gautreaux captured 71 percent, or 25,348 votes, handily defeating his opponent, Clayton D. Diaz (R), of Patterson, who garnered a tepid 29 percent, or 10,372 votes, in his first attempt in seeking a state Senate seat.

Gautreaux was elated, but concerned about the statewide vote in general, particularly in the governor’s race.

“We didn’t get our vote out. In fact, we elected a governor who has voted against children’s healthcare, childhood development and healthcare for the indigent,” he said.

“I’m concerned that the poor and working class are going to suffer as a result of not getting the vote out. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to accept the next four years, no matter how it turns out,” Gautreaux said.

Longman defeated Baldwin mayor, Realtor and business owner Wayne Breaux, capturing 59 percent, or 8,686 votes, to Breaux’s 41 percent, or 6,077 votes, to become the next assessor of St. Mary Parish. He will replace retiring Sherel Martin in January 2009.

Longman, 36, got his political start in 1998 when voters elected him to his first term on the Morgan City Council. He was only 24. Since that time he has also served as mayor pro-tem. He is also owner of Longman’s Marine Services.

“I’d like to thank the citizens of St. Mary Parish for placing their trust in me. I won’t let them down,” Longman said.

Meanwhile, voters in District 50, which encompasses an area from Berwick to Jeanerette (a portion of Iberia Parish) and Stephensville (a portion of St. Martin Parish), will also decide their next representative in the Nov 17 runoff.

Former Franklin mayor and now state Director of Rural Development Sam Jones and Berwick trial attorney Allen McElroy will face off.

McElroy garnered 38 percent, or 4,347 votes, to Jones’ 38 percent, or 4,326 votes. They defeated incumbent Franklin councilman Kenny Scelfo Sr., who scored only 24 percent or 2,806 votes. All three are Democrats.

McElroy said he is excited about Saturday’s results.

“I thank all of the people who voted and supported me,” he said. “The General Election on Nov. 17 is equally, if not more important, so we need to have a good turn-out at the polls.”

Jones said he too is appreciative of those who voted Saturday.

“First of all, I would like to thank all of the voters, not only those in support of myself, but also of my two opponents. It shows that they care about their future,” Jones said. “Now, I would like to encourage them to get out and vote one more time, and I would like to make an appeal to those who voted for Mr. Scelfo and Mr. McElroy to stop and take a look at my campaign and at what I have to offer.”

The District 51 state House seat also includes a runoff. This area includes portions of Assumption and Terrebonne parishes, and all of East St. Mary Parish.

Incumbent state Rep. Carla Dartez and Assumption business wwner Joe Harrison will be on the ballot. Dartez captured 44 percent, or 4,857 votes, to Harrison’s 36 percent, or 4,027 votes.

They defeated Terrebonne Parish attorney Estelle Mahoney, who scored 14 percent, or 1,590 votes, and Amelia resident Nick Morris, who garnered the remaining 6 percent, or 640 votes.

Dartez was very humble by the vote.

“Prayer works! Of course, I am so thankful to all of my supporters, and I urge everyone to go out and vote on Nov. 17, so that I can complete the work at-hand,” she said.

If elected, this will be Dartez’s second term in the state House of Representatives.

Also, attempts to reach Harrison by phone were unsuccessful.

In other races, St. Mary Parish voters re-elected Sheriff David Naquin. Naquin defeated former deputy George Rodriguez (D), with 78 percent, or 11,391 votes, to Rodriguez’s 22 percent, or 3,243 votes.

In parish council races, voters elected: the Rev. Craig A. Matthews to District 1; Charles “Butch” Middleton to District 2; David Hanagriff to District 3; Glen Hidalgo to District 4; Chuck Walters to District 8; and Steve Bierhorst, parish councilman-at-large.

Albert Foulcard was also re-elected to an at-large council seat.

There will be a run-off for the District 5 parish council seat between Jerry Potter and Ken Singleton.