La. Politics Like Gumbo: Full of Surprises

— -- The good-time southern state known for Cajun food, Mardi Gras celebrations and its unique brand of politics, may not have as many electoral votes up for grabs as more populous states, but it doesn't make Louisiana any less interesting. The boot-shaped state went to George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, but prior to that, it helped put Bill Clinton in office, siding with the former Arkansas governor in 1992 and in 1998.

In February, Sen. Barack Obama bested Sen. Hillary Clinton when he grabbed a win, and Sen. John McCain came in second in Louisiana to Mike Huckabee during the primary season. Today, the self-billed Sportsman's Paradise is a GOP stronghold in the 2008 election, helped, in part, by its Republican up-and-comer Gov. Bobby Jindal.