Racing form

Well after Big Brown dominated the field at Pimlico Saturday there shouldn't be too much mystery about who the favorite is to win the Belmont. On the other hand the stakes in the upcoming race for Bill Jefferson's seat are becoming all the more intriguing. Two years ago, the embattled Congressman was reelected in one of the more dismally fascinating elections in local history. In this week's Gambit Scuttlebutt Allen Johnson provides us with some early handicapping. I've taken the liberty of highlighting the most telling indicator in red.

No Shortage of Opponents

By: Allen Johnson

Indicted Congressman Bill Jefferson is not expected to go on trial for bribery until after qualifying opens July 9 for the federal party primaries on Sept. 6 — but friends and foes alike are eyeing his seat. The friends include state Reps. Cedric Richmond and Juan Lafonta. Richmond has served in the state House since 1999; Lafonta, since 2005. State Rep. Karen Carter-Peterson, who lost a runoff to Jefferson in 2006, will host a $1,200-per-person “congressional fundraiser” at 6 p.m. next Thursday (May 29) at Morton’s Steakhouse in New Orleans, says Carter publicist Cheron Brylski. Other Jefferson opponents include Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron L. Lee and former WDSU-TV morning anchor Helena Moreno. Lee has hired the PR firm of Katz & Columbus, while veteran media consultant Jim Carvin and his daughter, Karen Carvin, will manage Lee’s campaign. Moreno also has assembled a campaign team, says media consultant Greg Buisson. That team includes pollster Ed Renwick as well as campaign coordinators Craig Mitchell and Bill Allerton. As a journalist, Moreno registered as an Independent, but she will run as a Democrat in the party primary, Buisson says. She will make an official announcement in July, while Lee has not yet pegged an announcement date. Meanwhile, a publicist for indicted state Sen. Derrick Shepherd of Marrero dismissed rumors that Shepherd will run for the seat again; Shepherd finished third in the 2006 race.

For more on this crucial indicator, see Oyster's accumulated observations. The betting window is open.

Update: Oyster follows up with much more on Derrick Shepherd's cousin Byron Lee here.