Ethos - Ryan Klare

Mary Landrieu

As far as experience is concerned, Landrieu is the clear winner. As the incumbent, she has served since 1997 as a State Senator for Louisiana. With such a long track record, her history speaks for itself. Perhaps her most influential act of her time as Senator is the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief and Economic Recovery Act of 2005, which she co-wrote with Republican David Vitter. To me, this shows that she is not against crossing bi-partisan lines to do what is best for her state. This also brought her scorn, however, when she changed viewpoints on the Affordable Care Act after it was changed to bring $300 million to Louisiana. 

As a politician, she is well-liked, as evidenced by her long standing career in the senate. Her website conveys a simple and professional candidate, but the point of the site seems to be raising funds more than informing. She offsets this with involvement in in charities and causes like supporting the efforts of adoption agencies. It has apparently worked, as her approval rating is the 4th highest of any LA Senator. 

Bill Cassidy

As the up and coming candidate after Mary Landrieu's seat,  Bill Cassidy has tried to make a name for himself. Originally a doctor, Cassidy's strength is his approachability. Running on a campaign of small government, tries to relay that he isn't part of the big Washington machine that many politicians appear to be. Highlighting his current service as a medical professional between obligations in D.C., he also touts his direct aid in Hurricane Katrina as an earmark of his career in helping his state. Cassidy and others transformed a K-Mart into a hospital in the aftermath. 

His appearance is professional, yet approachable. He has a very simple website, which needs some work. For instance, under the "Issues" tab, amendment is misspelled. 

As a medical professional, much of his political career has focused on medical issues. He set up a clinic in Baton Rouge for lower income individuals as well as instituted a system that provides free Hepatitis B shots to children. This skyrocketed his empathy in the eyes of voters.

These facts bring Bill Cassidy into a more direct role with the voters than Landrieu and perhaps give him the edge. His accountability is extremely high just because so many people in his state have seen his effects. 

Rob Maness

At the back of the herd is grassroots candidate Rob Maness. After a long career in the US Air Force, Rob Maness is now challenging Landrieu for her seat. Maness's campaign is a simple one. He appeals to the frustration and anger that many "tea party" republicans are feeling and is hoping to use that momentum to carry him to D.C. 

He appears to be much less of a politician than the others, and more like an angry city council member. Though he doesn't have much(or any) political history, he has garnered nationwide attention for his comments on the incumbent Landrieu, asserting that she may have been pro-slavery in another era. Inflammatory comments like this may gain respect and admiration for those who agree with him, but will hurt his overall acceptance. 

His image is that of an everyday man who wants best for his state. On his website, his address to the reader is told from his perspective, I would assume, to better connect with his audience. 

Conclusion

Like most elections, it's more likely that the more established politicians will be taken seriously. Landrieu has experience and a strong following and Washington pull, but Cassidy brings the support of those he has more directly influenced in his state. They are very closely matched. 

Personally, I would choose Bill Cassidy, just for his stances on smaller government and he seems to do more to help the voters NOW.