Nagin Wins Re-election: "Fool me once..."

Nagin Is Reelected In New Orleans
Landrieu Concedes After Tight Race

By Peter Whoriskey
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 21, 2006; Page A01

NEW ORLEANS, May 20 -- Mayor C. Ray Nagin was reelected Saturday, overcoming a ceaseless barrage of criticism stemming from the chaos of Hurricane Katrina and the stalled recovery to achieve what many considered an improbable victory.

In addition to the frustrations of post-hurricane New Orleans, Nagin had to fend off a strong challenge by Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, the scion of a politically powerful clan, who outspent him by large a margin.

Surrounded by throngs of cheering supporters, Nagin acknowledged the antagonism he has aroused since Katrina and, to the surprise of many in the room, thanked President Bush.

"I want to thank you Mr. President. You and I have probably been the most vilified politicians in the country," he said. "But I want to thank you for moving that promise that you made in Jackson Square forward."

He cited the billions of dollars for housing and levee construction that Bush has supported, and then urged unity: "This election is over, and it is time for this community to start the healing process."

Many here, such as City Council President Oliver M. Thomas Jr., considered Nagin's victory the "biggest upset ever." Earlier in the day, Thomas and many others had predicted a Landrieu win.

Despite calls by both candidates for unity across the historic barriers of race, the vote split largely along racial lines. Nagin won by gaining the support of about 80 percent of black voters and about 20 percent of white voters, according to election analyst Greg Rigamer.

What can one possibly say? "There's a sucker born every minute" hardly covers it. This has got to rank up there with Washington DC re-electing Mayor Marion Barry following his arrest and conviction on cocaine charges. Apparently, for Black politicians there is no act so heinous or incompetent that won't be forgiven by their constituents.

Well okay, next time a hurricane hits and the this incompetent strands 100,000 people in the city, I don't want to hear a single whimper. It seems the folks of the "Big Easy" will continue to live on the dole, wallow in high crime and corruption, expecting you and I (the federal taxpayer) to support and take care of them.

Truly an astounding result, similar to the "O.J. Decision."

Full Story: Stupid Is As Stupid Does

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