By Howell Dennis

NEWS EDITOR

CROWLEY – With the election only one week away candidates dug in for the homestretch, each seeming optimistic about next Tuesday’s results.

In the presidential election, Barack Obama holds a lead over John McCain, with McCain seemingly embracing the role of the underdog.

“I know I’m the underdog,” said McCain at a rally last week. “This has been a tough campaign but I think when November 4 rolls around that we will see a much closer race than those in the media are predicting.”

Other races of note for Acadia residents are the Senate race between incumbent Mary Landrieu and John Kennedy, as well as the race for U.S. Representative for the 7th Congressional District between incumbent Charles Boustany, state senator Donald Cravins and Peter Vidrine.

Locally, weary candidates Lyle Fogleman and M’elise Trahan are working hard during this final week in the race for City Judge.

“It’s been an eye opening experience that I thoroughly enjoyed but look forward to concluding ,” smiled Fogleman. “It was personally fulfilling to meet the citizens of Ward 6 and I fully appreciate listening to their concerns and I concur with them. I hope to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much.”

“It’s been a very exciting seven months,” said Trahan. “I’m very proud of the positive campaign that I’ve run. I appreciate the kindness that people have shown me when I visited their homes and I hope that they all get out and vote. I have the experience it takes and am ready to commit as a full-time city judge.”

Today is the final day of early voting for Acadia residents. Early voting figures have been quite positive, with over 2200 people having cast their ballots.

Voters will hit the booths next Tuesday, November 4.