Kennedy returns unopposed to Louisiana’s treasury department

(AP) Treasurer John Kennedy cleared off the desk at his campaign office Friday, shelving the push cards and yard signs because he won’t need them this fall.

Kennedy is one of several lucky Louisiana politicians who can avoid the grueling schedule, mudslinging and attack ads of the fall campaign season after not attracting any opposition by the close of the sign-up period this week. Thirty-three legislators were elected outright as well, including six who are new to the jobs.

It was Kennedy’s second reelection without a fight, though his first as a Republican.

The state treasurer, who will begin his third term in January, said he was surprised he didn’t attract an opponent for the Oct. 20 election, but he was savoring the moment. He had recently started running a TV ad in anticipation of the race.

“I was gearing up. I’m still trying to adjust to the fact that we’re not going to have a campaign,” he said.

The Louisiana Democratic Party looked for candidates to run against Kennedy once the treasurer announced his party switch at the end of August, but it was too late to find anyone, said party spokeswoman Julie Vezinot.

“There was just absolutely no way they could raise the money they needed to field a decent campaign. That was the biggest hurdle,” Vezinot said. “It’s quite unfortunate that the people didn’t have a choice there.”

Every other incumbent statewide elected official attracted an opponent – though some only little-known opposition – except for Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who isn’t running for re-election.

In the Louisiana Legislature, eight senators and 25 House members can pack up the campaign bumper stickers early, drawing no opposition.