The day she truly became mayor

There is something about being the Mayor of New Orleans that renders your endorsement a near guaranteed kiss of death for whichever office seeker comes upon the misfortune of acquiring it.

LaToya Cantrell’s first attempt as mayor to influence a local election failed recently, but it may be too soon to judge the true length of her coattails.

That’s because she endorsed, not in a municipal race, but in the race for King Zulu 2019. And her candidate, George V. Rainey, lost by an apparently close margin to Naaman Stewart, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club’s president.

So that's normal, anyway.  One thing this article doesn't point out that may be worth noting is Stewart was a heavy donor to LaToya's opponent in last year's election.  Granted a somewhat less prestigious post was up for grabs there but there's still clearly an element of payback at work in all this.

Also, the number of players who got involved in this and the way they aligned themselves is interesting.

Rainey also was backed by state Sen. Troy Carter and Entergy New Orleans CEO Charles Rice, both Zulu members, according to the mailer. Clerk of 2nd City Court Darren Lombard and Constable of 2nd City Court Edwin Shorty also endorsed him, as did City Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer.

Meanwhile, Stewart received the backing of 11 former Zulu kings, former Mayor Marc Morial and three former Zulu board members, according to a separate mailer.

As for me, I'm still a little mad LaToya didn't throw me a shoe when she rode in Muses this year.  At least I don't have to go through her to get a coconut now.