Washington, Nov 15: The gubernatorial polls in Louisiana today are all set to make history as voters decide between Republican Bobby Jindal, the first Indian-American Governor hopeful and Democrat Kathleen Blanco. Jindal, if he wins, will make history as the first Indian American Governor of a state of the US while a victory would make Blanco the first female Governor of Louisiana.
Latest poll projections showed Jindal maintaining a slight and consistent lead over Blanco though more than one in ten voters are still to decide which way to go.
The vote is to be held from 6 am to 8 pm (local time).
Jindal's position was strengthened by a combination of educated white conservatives drawn by his skills as a technocrat, working class whites and a sections of blacks.
Black voters, who constitute 30 per cent of the electorate and traditionally voted for Democrats, hold the key, experts opined. Unlike past Republican candidates, Jindal has made inroads into black vote and also got support from the state's leading black politician, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.
Jindal, 32, worked in the Bush administration and was State Secretary of Health and hospitals under the outgoing Governor mike foster. Blanco, 60, is Lt Governor, has 20 years in public office and is from Louisiana's French-influenced Cajun community.
The campaign has been fought less on issues and more on personalities, with Jindal emphasising his youthful energy and accomplishments as a successful technocrat, and Blanco her experience in government. Bureau Report