Treasurer John Kennedy enjoyed a high-profile visit from First Lady Laura Bush last week in Lafayette, where a fund-raiser was hosted with tickets ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. While it certainly served as a boost to Kennedy’s campaign, it may be just the beginning. Kennedy, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, a Democrat, this fall could walk away with another photo-op with her commander-in-chief husband this week as well. President Bush is expected to be in New Orleans Wednesday for a Hurricane Katrina anniversary event, according to the Associated Press. So far, only an afternoon speech is planned, but politicking hasn’t been ruled out, especially as the Senate race becomes more competitive. Lenny Alcivar, Kennedy’s spokesman, says nothing specific is planned. The treasurer, however, will be in attendance.
Although President Bush has suffered poor polling numbers in other parts of the country, he remains fairly popular in the Bayou State. A Louisiana poll taken in June revealed an overall favorability rating of 56 percent, higher than recent national surveys. And Kennedy and President Bush are no strangers either, having sat side-by-side at a campaign fund-raiser and press conference in Baton Rouge earlier this year where Kennedy received the White House seal of approval.