NEW ORLEANS -- You may have seen a billboard on I-10 in New Orleans near the Jeff Davis overpass with just three yellow letters, ABV.
ABV stands for "Anybody But Vitter." The billboard is part of a new campaign launched by a Democrat leaning political action committee called Gumbo PAC.
Right now, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is the perceived front-runner in this fall's governor's race.
The other announced candidates so far include Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle and state Rep. John Bell Edwards, D-Amite.
Former state Democratic Party Executive Director Trey Ourso chairs Gumbo PAC.
"They are trying to get an early start at causing some doubt about (Vitter), trying to start the momentum that he does have," said Xavier University Political Scientists Dr. Silas Lee.
"It's an eye-catching billboard, but if that's all there is, it's going to be kind of a flash in the pan," said Eyewitness News Political Analyst Clancy DuBos.
Political analysts say it's one thing to tell voters Anybody But Vitter, but it's another to craft a specific reason and message as to why they should vote for another candidate.
"When Bill Cassidy ran against Mary Landrieu in last years U.S. Senate race, he ran a campaign that articulated a reason why voters should not re-elect Mary Landrieu," DuBos said. "Everybody knows what it is to this day. He said Mary Landrieu votes with Barack Obama, 97 percent of the time."
"You have to give them a reason," Lee said. "You have to give them a personality and you have to energize them."
All of the candidates are hoping to do just that between now and the Oct. 24 election.
Senator David Vitter sent WWL-TV a statement about the ABV campaign.
"We face enormous challenges in Louisiana. But if we meet them head on—with strong leadership and real solutions—we can take advantage of historic opportunities and make great gains," said Vitter. "Now more than ever, attack politics and slick billboards don't cut it. We need a clear, detailed, and positive plan for our future, and I'm the only candidate with this comprehensive plan."
