Quotable Sen. John Kennedy mulls bid for La. governor

Source: Politico




By BURGESS EVERETT 04/12/2018 06:59 PM EDT

John Kennedy’s folksy witticisms have provided regular headlines for the Washington media. But the Louisiana Republican is already thinking about leaving after just 15 months as a senator.

Kennedy is considering running for governor of Louisiana against Democrat John Bel Edwards, he said in an interview on Thursday, after he addressed the possibility with a home-state radio station, WWL, and a TV station earlier this week.

“Thinking about it. I don’t know if I’m going to do it, haven’t made a decision. I’m enjoying my time in the Senate, but my state’s in trouble,” Kennedy told POLITICO. “I just don’t agree with John Bel. I like John Bel, but he just hasn’t been effective. And I don’t think he has a clean grasp of what we need to do.”

The race wouldn’t occur until 2019 and Kennedy’s term isn’t up until 2022, meaning there would be little risk of him losing his seat even if he‘s defeated for governor. Kennedy has told senators and Louisiana Republicans of his interest in the race for several months, according to people familiar with the matter.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/12/john-kennedy-governor-louisiana-520258