Although the next primary election for the state's highest office will not be until October 2003, the air is filled with politicians' hats flying toward the ring. This means it is not too early for citizens to begin thinking about what to ask candidates, and then which candidate to support. There are several key issues most concerned Louisiana Baptists will want to ask. Certainly abortion will be at the top of many Baptists' lists, although that issue has pretty well been settled in the state. There may be some differences about so called "exceptions," such as rape, incest, severe fetal deformity and the life of the mother, but overall, Baptists will want a candidate who is pro-life. Baptists who demand a pro-life position by a candidate will not be alone. Anti-abortion forces are strong in the state and there is not much chance of a gubernatorial candidate's race including a pro-choice position. The Baton Rouge The Advocate, in its July 16 editorial, encourages Louisianans to require a stance to oppose the expansion of gambling by a candidate before giving him or her support. Actually, the editorial picked up the idea from U.S. Representative David Vitter, R-Metairie, who has already tentatively entered and … [Read more...]