KENNER, La. — Vice President Mike Pence is calling on Louisiana's Republican voters to unite in opposition to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, even as they squabble over which GOP candidate to back in the race.
Pence is Saturday's headliner at the Pontchartrain Center rally in Kenner aimed at getting a fractured Louisiana GOP energized ahead of the Oct. 12 election.
Republicans are trying to keep Edwards, the Deep South's only Democratic governor, from outright victory in the primary.
But the GOP has two major candidates, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham and businessman Eddie Rispone. That has splintered support, fundraising focus and messaging efforts.
In Louisiana, candidates run on the same ballot regardless of party. Republicans need to keep Edwards from topping 50% of the vote to force him into a Nov. 16 runoff.
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