The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

p> LOUISIANA LULUS br> It isn't just Mary Landrieu who is having difficulties with base voters. Suzanne Terrell , who was recruited by the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee to challenge the Democrat, isn't faring much better. In fact, with three weeks to go before election run-off day, she may be in worse shape. Rep. John Cooksey who came in third behind Landrieu and Terrell in the November 5 voting, endorsed his Republican colleague but has declined to help her campaign in any other way. GOP State Rep. Tony Perkins , who came in fourth, has been playing games with a promised endorsement, dangling it one moment, then pulling it back, then dangling it again. /p>

Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Mike Foster, who had toyed with stepping in and running for the Senate seat himself, has also withheld his endorsement of Terrell. The two met earlier this week, but Foster said he also intends to meet with Landrieu. Foster, not surprisingly given the state he runs, wants to cut a deal with the Bush administration for his endorsement. His Louisiana educational accountability program is being held up by the U.S. Department of Education because it conflicts with the federally mandated Leave No Child Behind Program. To receive funding, Foster's pet project needs a rubberstamp from Washington. Will it be forthcoming?

topics:
Education, Business, NATO