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IMPROVING ODDS |
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C. Ray Nagin (3-1)—with his calm, cool demeanor in debates, C. Ray has been able to disprove the rumors started by his rivals that the “C” in his name stands for “Crazy.” Back is the patented C. Ray grin—if it ever left. Still primed to rally in the homestretch. |
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Rob Couhig (10-1)—Backers of the “scrappy” Couhig have successfully linked their candidate’s name with “pitbull” and “Giuliani”—two words which many middle class whites really seem to like. Watch him make the board. |
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Virginia Boulet (20-1)—With her optimism and soft-spoken style, Boulet has gained ground with voters, especially females, who are disgruntled with male candidates and too self-respecting to vote for Frau Peggy. The biggest mover in the field. Keep her in mind for a superfecta or pick six bet. |
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Manny Chevrolet Bruno (100-1)—His slogan “A Troubled Man for Troubled Times” (clearly the best slogan of any candidate in the race), combined with his deadpan debate style, has attracted the support of hipper-than-thou, irony-loving, Gen-Xers, as well as many diehard fans of “The Simpsons.” Probably won’t finish last.
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WORSENING ODDS |
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Mitch Landrieu (2-1)—Trying desperately not to say or do anything the least bit controversial, frontrunner Landrieu has lost a little of support to his brasher, nothing-to-lose opponents, though hardly enough to remove him from his position as odds-on favorite. Still the class of the field.
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Ron Forman (7-1)—After spending a few SUV-loads of cash on print ads, commercials, signs, t-shirts, et cetera, zookeeper Forman actually lost support. Some claim this wouldn’t have happened had his face not appeared on his campaign materials. Of course, Seabiscuit was not a handsome horse, either; and everyone knows how he fared. Might have to go to the whip too early.
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Peggy Wilson (15-1)—Frau Peggy’s plan for a “tax-free” city—which seems quite sensible for a city in desperate need of tax revenue—hasn’t yet caught on with voters. Neither has her ace-in-the-hole endorsement. Seems outclassed. |
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Rev. Tom Watson (30-1)—The Reverend, who seems to have a biblical quote apropos for every occasion, has yet to use the story of Noah building his ark in the face of ridicule. Without divine intervention, will lose ground around the last curve. |
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Leo Watermeier (35-1)—Conspicuously absent from debates and mayoral forums, Watermeier is rumored to have become engrossed with the decorations and table settings for his victory party at the expense of his campaign. Should have worn blinders. |
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Kimberley Williamson Butler (40-1)—Insiders claim that “Street Cred” Kim is waiting to drop the video she made in prison, à la C Murder, until the runoff. If she waits that long to make her move, though, she won’t be close enough to challenge the lead in the homestretch. Most likely will fade.
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James Arey (50-1)—A large segment of the voting population still seems wholly unimpressed by “Fabulous” Arey’s “Jeopardy” performances and uncanny knowledge of Claude Debussy’s orchestral works. Rumors of a retooled, more strategically focused Arey campaign abound—though such a move maybe too late for this race. |
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Nick Bacqué (105-1)—Prefacing answers to debate questions with “well, actually, I have a master’s degree in…” is not the way to get elected to anything in this city. Not yet stakes-caliber.
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