Phil Robertson rules out Senate run in Louisiana
A poll released earlier this week suggested that Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson could be a formidable competitor against current Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana).
However, Phil Robertson’s son, Alan, quickly shot down any speculation that his father would be willing to run.
“While Phil is humbled and honored that so many fellow Louisianans have confidence in him, he has no interest in running for public office,” Alan Robertson told The Hill in an email.
“He is interested in helping the electorate know more about the gospel of Christ, so they, in turn, can elect more godly men and women to serve and lead our great country.”
According to a Democratic poll from Tuesday, Republican challenger Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), lagged behind Mary Landrieu by one percentage point. In contrast, Phil Robertson beat Mary Landrieu by five points, garnering 46% of the votes to her 41%.
The poll also suggests that despite national controversy in December about anti-gay comments 67-year-old Phil Robertson for which A&E suspended him from his reality television show for over a week, have had little effect on how the Louisiana esteems the businessman.
While Bill Cassidy’s numbers were lower than Phil Robertson’s, many interpreted them as sign that the race was a dead heat.
Bill Cassidy is running against current state representative Paul Hollis and retired Air Force Colonel Rob Maness. Some have speculated that former Louisiana politician and current Family Research Council President Tony Perkins may run.
Mary Landrieu has been in office since 1997 and currently holds a 37% approval rating, a major drop from her August 2013 numbers that gave the senator a 46% approval score.