A hotly contested mayor’s race usually has all eyes on it in most parts of the country. But south Louisiana isn’t like most parts of anywhere, and New Orleans takes the kingcake for parallel universes. Every four years, the Crescent City's February mayoral election, which in Louisiana is often compared to a carnival, has to contend with Carnival itself, as well as Christmas shopping, New Year’s parties, and the Sugar Bowl. That would be distraction enough.
But this year, as the Times Picayune points out, the Who Dat Nation has eyes for only one contest, the Saints’ march to the Super Bowl in Miami on Feb. 7. The New Orleans primary for mayor is Feb. 6. Add in the Bacchus Parade, Feb. 14, where the Crescent City’s sweetheart and Saints QB Drew Brees will reign as king, Mardi Gras on Feb., 16, and finally, the runoff on March 6. Political pundits have made suggestions to catch the public’s attention like running TV ads during Saints game half times or riding in early Mardi Gras parades. Hollering “Throw me something, Mister,” (like a functioning police department or streets without potholes) may have more meaning than ever this year.