He looks good in the polls, aides say, and plenty of moderates statewide (code for Republicans) have voted for him before. Landrieu’s people believe he could win the race. Elected officials in attendance included State Reps Walter Leger III and Neal Abramson, and Jefferson Parish Assessor Tom Capella.Īfter listening to the mayor and talking with his insiders, it was clear that Mitch might be just as happy completing his term rather than entering a nasty, expensive governor’s race.

Blache, Frank and Michael Nicolaidis, Craig Mitchell, and Eugene Green.Īlso present were Frank and Paulette Stewart, Susan Hess, Gerald and Joan Berenson, Kyle France, Joe Bruno, Donna Fraiche, Mike Valentino, Ralph Capitelli, James Callier, Henry and Karen Coaxum, Ellen Lee, Alden McDonald, Steve Dwyer, John and Bonnie Boyd, Ruth and Larry Kullman, and Kathleen Parke and Bob Edmundson, who was talking about his favorite gubernatorial candidate, Scott Angele. Many other professionals who do work for the City or serve on City boards were also on hand including John Williams, Donald Lambert, Billy Sizeler with Jane, Rob Steeg with Pamela, Dale McDaniel, Sundiata Haley, Brian Egana (with legislative candidate Jason Hughes), Charlie Colbert and wife Ellen Hazeur, Jimmy Woods, C.J. On everyone’s lips was the same question: Is Mitch running? Those asking included Winston, Sheila and Ronnie Burns (he introduced Mitch), lots of WTC bidders including Darryl and Louella Berger with partners Joe Jaeger and Roger Ogden Paul Woodward Pres Kabacoff, former Mayor Sidney Barthelemy and Edward Boettner and Al Thompson and Arnold Baker with their spouses. More than 100 donors forked over $2500 each last night for cocktails with Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

IA by John Darryl Winston