1987 Louisiana gubernatorial election
The 1987 Louisiana gubernatorial election was held to elect the Governor of Louisiana. Three-term incumbent Democratic Governor Edwin Edwards lost re-election to a fourth term, defeated by Democratic congressman Buddy Roemer.
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 Parish results Roemer: 30–40% 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Edwards: 30–40% 40–50% Livingston: 30–40% 40–50% Tauzin: 30–40% 40–50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in Louisiana |
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 Government |
Under Louisiana's jungle primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party, and voters may vote for any candidate, regardless of their party affiliation. On October 24, 1987, Roemer and Edwards took the two highest popular vote counts. As neither took over 50% a runoff was scheduled, but Edwards withdrew, causing the runoff's cancellation.
Background
Edwin Edwards defeated Governor Dave Treen in the 1983 election.[1] Edwards was prosecuted as governor by U.S. District Attorney John Volz for selling hospital certificates, but the first trial results in a hung jury before Edwards was acquitted.[2]
Campaign
The Times-Picayune and other newspapers endorsed Roemer four weeks prior to the primary. He was initially fifth in polling behind Edwards and Livingston, but rose to placing first in the primary. Edwards withdrew from the election prior to the runoff.[1]
Livingston only placed first in three parishes which were all within his congressional district. Republican areas, such as Caddo Parish, instead supported Roemer.[1]
Results
First voting round, October 24
| 1987 Louisiana gubernatorial election | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
| Democratic | Buddy Roemer | 516,078 | 33.11 | ||
| Democratic | Edwin Edwards (incumbent) | 437,801 | 28.09 | ||
| Republican | Robert "Bob" Livingston | 287,780 | 18.46 | ||
| Democratic | Billy Tauzin | 154,079 | 9.88 | ||
| Democratic | James H. "Jim" Brown | 138,223 | 8.87 | ||
| Democratic | Speedy O. Long | 18,738 | 1.2 | ||
| Democratic | Earl J. Amedee | 3,767 | 0.24 | ||
| Democratic | Ken "Cousin Ken" Lewis | 2,264 | 0.15 | ||
| Total | 1,558,730 | 100 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
Runoff did not occur due to Edwards withdrawing
| Preceded by 1983 gubernatorial election |
Louisiana gubernatorial elections | Succeeded by 1991 gubernatorial election |
References
- Moreland, Steed & Baker 1991, p. 76.
- Moreland, Steed & Baker 1991, p. 73.
Works cited
- Moreland, Laurence; Steed, Robert; Baker, Tod, eds. (1991). The 1988 Presidential Election in the South: Continuity Amidst Change in Southern Party Politics. Praeger Publishers. ISBN 0275931455.
Sources
State of Louisiana. Primary and General Election Returns, 1987.