Goodness, it’s not even Thanksgiving, and some bored politicos are setting odds who will run for Shreveport mayor next year. It may be a little early to start talking about turkeys, but then in the political arena, there is usually an abundance of them. And with supply chain issues causing shipping delays, maybe it’s time to order campaign signs, buttons and flyers.
For those campaign geeks with time on their hands, a review of the latest campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Ethics Commission is always a good pastime pursuit. For those with better things to do, here is a quick summary.
Unless he decides the council waters are smoother in Shreveport, Tommy Chandler is not expected to move west and run for Shreveport mayor. But then King David Montgomery would not be a consistent nemesis if he jumped the river. His last campaign report shows campaign funds on hand of $74,000, which is not chump change considering he only took office in July.
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins looks like Tiny Tim in comparison to Chandler. His February 2021 report only reflects $1,600. But he is the mayor, and any future campaign solicitation letters will be opened. There are many vendors of the city of Shreveport who will feel compelled to make the “expected” but not mandatory contribution.
The granddaddy of Caddo politicians is state Senator Greg Tarver, who could very well be public enemy number one for Perkins. Tarver’s last filing reports a hefty $247,000 and some change. That amount can be utilized for a mayoral race, and it would certainly super-charge his bid. Tarver’s campaign pot of gold makes him a very formidable candidate for any race he decides to enter.
Caddo Commissioner Steven Jackson has said he will not run for mayor, but then it’s Steven, and who knows? His mayoral campaign report shows $24,800 in the till. Jackson also has $45 in his commission campaign account. Jackson can expect major headwinds if he jumps into the mayor’s race.
Declared Republican candidate Jim Taliaferro does trump Perkins in campaign moola, but not by that much. His mayoral funds of $2,100 may get him out the door, but not far down the campaign trial. His challenge is the fact that many of the old-line Repubs talk a great game but rarely match their hype with campaign contributions.
Caddo Commissioner Mario Chavez may be a candidate. He has not set up a mayoral campaign account, but his commission campaign account has almost $6,300 in the bank, which puts him ahead of Taliaferro. There is some talk that Chavez, a registered Republican, will run as an Independent, which many consider to be almost as bad as running as a Republican.
Former mayor now state representative Cedric Glover has made no mention of seeking the mayor’s seat again, but since he has never had a real job, who knows? His campaign bank account only has $2,250. Glover has done very little for his district, which seemingly is not a factor in his popularity in the Martin Luther King area.
State Representative Sam Jenkins was previously unsuccessful in a mayor’s race. His house rep campaign account has over $42,000 that could be transferred to a mayor’s campaign. Jenkins recently lost his wife, who was integral to his mayoral bid. If he hitches his campaign wagon to Caddo Commissioner Ken Epperson again, he can forget about any success in a mayor’s race.
Shreveport council member Levette Fuller has $4,900-plus in her council campaign account. Her name is sometimes listed with other potential mayoral candidates. Most believe she will seek a second term on the council versus the mayor’s seat next year.
Caddo Commissioner Roy Burrell has made no mention of making a second try to become Shreveport mayor. But since he collects political offices like merit badges (Shreveport council member, state rep and now commissioner) and reminds the public constantly at commission meetings, the impossible may still be one of his dreams. His commission campaign account has $0 and his state rep campaign account a little over $500.
Usually, serious mayoral talk follows the New Year’s partying, but who knows in today’s Covid/post-Covid political arena? Maybe Santa will be good to the wannabes, because if your name is not Tarver, there is serious catching up to be done.
There are some who are looking for a new face to jump into the fray, much like Perkins did when he emerged in 2018. It is unlikely there will be a second coming of hometown boy who makes good, goes to war and comes home as hero to save his city in 2022. But then, who would have believed that Perkins had a chance when he started out?
It may be too early to place your bets on the 2022 Shreveport mayor’s race. But then, who knows?
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE October 29 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB THE INQUISITOR - subscribe today at http://www.theinquisitor.com