It's a time honored tradition in New Orleans and one that new comers to New Orleans have had to adjust to since New Orleans first became a city. The issue of class and race has always been right under the surface of New Orleans politics. Despite the current batch of white candidates efforts to down play the issue in the back of their minds they have to know that issue will raise it's head before the election is over with. The black vote has become very strong and potent since the hurricane and black voters have become very adept at narrowing down the field and backing a candidate.

The  New Orleans mayor's race has been interesting to watch as it slowly develops. So far none of the white candidates have made any effort to  reach out to the black community and that may back fire come election time. The New Orleans black vote has always been able to mobilize very quickly. Mitch Landrieu in announcing his intention to run with one of the most hated politicians in the white community attending pretty much locked himself out of the black vote. John Georges has pretty much followed the same path, content to hope blacks do not show up.

For the black candidates left although they have tried to stay away from race. It really can not be avoided in New Orleans. So they might as well jump right in and let everyone know there black and the other candidates are white. If they don't they do not have a chance. A couple black candidates have a good chance of picking up a majority of the black vote and a good bit of the young white professional citizens around the city. That;s what it would take to win. If you watch a lot of TV you would think Mitch Landrieu is the favorite. Based on my numbers a lot of conservative voters don't have confidence in him to get things done.

To win he would have to move a lot further to the right. That should open the door for a black candidate to step up to the plate. Who that will be I'm still trying to figure out. It would have to be a strong and decisive maneuver. I'm not sure the current crop is capable. http://blogcritics.org/politics/article/new-orleans-mayors-racewill-mitch-landrieu/