Edwards supports Adrian Perkins in Louisiana US Senate race

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Monday that he’s backing Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race.

The idea of Edwards, the Deep South’s only Democratic governor, endorsing a fellow Democrat for the seat isn’t surprising. But Louisiana’s governor has had a solid working relationship with the Republican incumbent Perkins is trying to unseat, Bill Cassidy.

Edwards said Perkins, a fellow West Point graduate, would be an “independent voice for our state at a time when Washington is paralyzed with partisan politics.”

“Now more than ever, we need steady leadership at all levels of government that will commit to put politics aside and work in a bipartisan way for all Louisianans,” Edwards said in a statement.

Cassidy, a doctor from Baton Rouge, remains favored to win a second six-year term. He has a hefty campaign account and high name recognition in a red state where Edwards is the only Democrat to hold statewide office. President Donald Trump endorsed Cassidy for reelection.

Fourteen opponents are vying against Cassidy on the Nov. 3 ballot, including five Democratic contenders. Perkins is consolidating much of the high-profile Democratic support, including an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.