Honore is a very interesting possibility in terms of potentially shaking up the race. Unlike most others associated with Katrina, Honore came out of it with a very good reputation. And while some national observers did not realize it (because of his very very light complexion), Honore is African-American. ('Is' is a fraught word in this context. Honore identifies himself as an "African-American Creole", which is to say a person of mixed race descended from the French-Spanish-African population of Louisiana from the pre-United States period.) I know enough about Louisiana politics not to be stupid enough to try to understand it. But some Republican GOPers in Louisiana and nationally might see his entry as not totally unwelcome, even an opportunity to unload the thoroughly damaged Vitter.
The T-P this morning gives us a taste as to why this may be so. (Can't find the link yet. Blame the freaking impenetrable NOLA.com)
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said Honore is popular and charismatic, and he wouldn't be surprised if Honore got into politics.
Asked whether he'd support him, Nagin said, "Oh man, I'll support that guy any way he goes"
This could make for yet another election defined by its unusual alliances and confused racial politics. But I'll have to see more of Honore on the stump before I decide that I'm stupid enough to try to understand it.
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