The Midterm Elections: Candidate Cedric Richmond

To help you be informed and prepared when you go to cast your vote on Tuesday, November 2, Black Enterprise will highlight important races with African American candidates across the country. Over the next few days until Election Day, we’ll tell you where the candidates stand, why the race matters, who their opponent is, what the key issues are and their chances of winning. Be sure to check in every day.

Candidate: Cedric Richmond

Opponent(s): Incumbent Republican Rep. Anh “Josephâ€ Cao

Why the race matters: Before Cao won the seat after Rep. William Jefferson was drummed out of office to face a criminal trial, the seat had been held by a Democrat for more than a century. Richmond is the party’s best bet to get it back

Key issues: Louisiana recovery, crime, education and the economy

Constituency: Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District is majoritively black and urban and contains most of New Orleans

Financing: As of Sept. 30, 2010, Richmond reported net receipts of $835,937. His opponent reported $1,786,230 for that same period.

Political support:

President Barack Obama has endorsed Richmond in a campaign ad. Other endorsements have come from House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana), New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, United Teachers of New Orleans, Louisiana Independent Federation of Elections, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Chances of winning: A Public Policy Polling survey commissioned by Daily Kos shows Richmond leading Cao by 11 points.

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