LaToya Cantrell and the knotty politics of recall (New Orleans)

[brooklynite]

Times-Picayune

In 2003, California’s voters recalled Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and put the Republican bodybuilder and actor in his place. It was the second time a U.S. governor had ever been recalled. The first was in 1921 when Republican Gov. Lynn Joseph Frazier was removed in North Dakota.

The current governor of California, Democrat Gavin Newsom, faced a recall last year that he handily defeated.

Recalling Mayor LaToya Cantrell is now an issue in New Orleans. A committee has formed and petitions are being signed. The mayor’s popularity, once high, has plummeted. Voters — including some who once supported her — are increasingly angry.

Cantrell won reelection last November at a time when many voters didn’t even realize there was an election going on. There were few ads or mailers. Worse, there was a lack of debates, issue forums and tough media questioning.

The mayor was lucky that perceptions of deteriorating city conditions — from rising violent crime to collapse of the trash collection system to street repair delays — didn’t jell until after the filing period to run for mayor had ended. Cantrell’s opponents were largely unknown and had neither the money nor organization to seriously compete.

[Ex Lurker]

1. Nothing to see here

just more Right Wingers trying to destroy a progressive leader.

[brooklynite]

2. How many right-wingers are in the City of New Orleans to sign a petition?

[Ex Lurker]

3. New Orleans is 64% Black and they voted for her overwhelmingly

This is just white sour grapes Republicans trying to make trouble for an unapologetically Black and unapologetically Progressive leader. She's term limited after this term. With her base of reliable, motivated voters in New Orleans she would have a real chance in a race for Senator or Governor. That's why they want to knock her down before she gets that far.