"Chocolate Town" Needs a New Nut

In New Orleans Reelection Bid, Nagin Faces a Crowded Field
Katrina Has Sapped Mayor's Power, But at Least 10 Challengers Want Job

By Linton Weeks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 23, 2006; Page A03

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 22 -- Mayor C. Ray Nagin walked up to a table full of disgruntled subcontractors at the famous Cafe du Monde here a few days ago. When they asked the mayor what he could do to streamline debris removal in New Orleans and help smaller companies get more of the work, Nagin smiled, threw up his hands and gave them the political version of the golden rule: "He who has the gold makes the rules."

And Nagin no longer has the gold. The money for rebuilding is being controlled by the federal government and state officials in Baton Rouge. And that means that many decisions, rulemaking capabilities and opportunities to enact change no longer belong to the mayor of post-Katrina New Orleans.

These days, the mayor has to beg for every single thing. The city is in dire financial straits, and Nagin has to petition the state for financial assistance just to maintain limited services. The mayor is waiting for the federal government to essentially tell him what his city is going to look like, as well as to answer crucial questions such as who will need flood insurance and what sort of temporary housing will be available.

It's a wonder anybody would want the mayor's job. But a host of people do. Nagin will be running for reelection against at least 10 challengers.

One of Nagin's most formidable opponents, Lt. Gov. Mitchell J. Landrieu, announced his candidacy Wednesday, and to many political observers here that means the race is on. It is a sprint, not a marathon. The nonpartisan primary election will be held April 22, with the top two vote-getters facing a runoff in May, if necessary.

Gee, I can't imagine why Nagin might not get re-elected post Katrina. Could it possibly have something to do with these?

I mean really, just because he stranded 100,000 of his own citizens in a flooded town of filth and squalor. Picky, picky, picky. It's not like he flew out of the city and saved his own behind...uh...oh yeah, he did. Well he did it for the good of his citizens, the people needed their leader to be safe and dry.

Riiiight! Good-bye Ray.

Full Story: Replacing One Loser With Another?

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