Caddo Commissioner Jim Taliaferro let the proverbial cat out of the bag recently with his announcement that he would run for Shreveport mayor next year. His declaration was only some 17 months before qualifying.

Taliaferro has now turned up the heat on many other mayoral wannabes, especially Republicans.

Depending on the day of the week and how the wind is blowing, the Repubs being mentioned as potential candidates include Shreveport Councilman John Nickelson, Caddo Commissioner Mario Chavez, Brian Crawford (who now may be a No Party candidate) and Tom Arceneaux.

As for as potential Democrat candidates, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has announced he will seek re-election.

Other Democrat names being talked about include Senator Greg Tarver, Representative Sam Jenkins, Councilman Jerry Bowman Jr., Caddo Commissioner Steven Jackson, Caddo Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts, former city attorney William Bradford and Curtis Joseph.

The latest to threw his hat – sort of -- in the ring is Councilman James Flurry.

He announced on Tuesday at a Republican luncheon that he has formed an exploratory committee on a mayoral run. Flurry says he is 90 percent certain he will be a candidate.
Flurry points to his experience as a former Justice of the Peace and his two terms as a councilman as his strong points.

He also noted that Bossier Mayor Lo Walker, who is now 87, is going strong and doing a great job on the east side of the river.

Needless to say, there will be plenty of water go over the dam from now on with hot stove gossip on next year’s mayoral candidates.

Word is that Vegas may be posting odds on the potential candidates in the next few months.

Stayed tuned.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE February 5 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.