Election Day in Central

Central voters will go to the polls Saturday to face the election for Governor and other statewide offices, but the local races that normally spice up politics are not on the ballot this year.

Among parishwide officials, only Clerk of Court Doug Welborn has opposition. Likewise, only one local legislator — Sen. Dale Erdey — has an opponent.  Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, Assessor Brian Wilson, and Coroner Beau Clark are unopposed, as are three local legislators — Sen. Bodi White, Rep. Valarie Hodges, and Rep. Barry Ivey.

Welborn, a native of Central, is being opposed by Sarah Holliday.  Erdey is opposed by Derek Babcock in Senate District 13, which includes only two precincts of Central (near the intersection of Hooper and Greenwell Springs roads), the northern two thirds of Livingston, and the Ponchatoula area of Tangipahoa.  Babcock, who ran against Erdey four years ago, has won some important endorsements, including LABI, ACT, the Tea Party, and former Rep. Tom Perkins, who represented much of the same area.