1. Robideaux was elected as an independent in a special election in April 2004. He finished 2nd in the Open Primary with 27% of the vote in a 5-candidate field with 3 Republicans sharing 62% of the vote, and two independents sharing the other 38% of the vote. He won the runoff with 55% of the vote.

   In the 2007 general election he was re-elected without opposition.

2. Gee – even independents can win runoff elections.

   P.R. and A.V. — NO primaries are needed.

3. #1: “He won the runoff…”

   You call the second round of the regular state elections a “general election.” Since special elections are conducted the same way, why do you call the second round a “runoff”?

4. Pingback: Independent Elected to Leadership Position in Louisiana Legislature | Independent Political Report

5. #3 “You call the second round of the regular state elections a “general election.” Since special elections are conducted the same way, why do you call the second round a “runoff”?”

   Probably habit. It would be called a runoff in Texas.

   You are correct that in Louisiana the two rounds are called a special primary and special general.

   In any case, the independent candidate did win with 55% of the vote.

6. I would argue that, whether the “top two” is used for a special or a regular election, the first round is a general election, and the second round is a runoff general election.

   I refuse to call an election consisting of independents and candidates from multiple parties a “primary.” The main difference between the first round of the “top two” and most other general elections is that the field of candidates has not been winnowed by a nominating process.

7. I think it pretty odd to call a special election a general election. Maybe we could simply number them. So that there might be a primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary elections.

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