I consider Karen Carter's campaign run-off quite similar to Paul Hackett's special in that our involvement in both symbolize something larger than the actual election itself.  With Hackett, we finally had someone willing to stand up to President Bush on Iraq.  Our attention, small-dollar contributions, and thousands of volunteer hours signaled a passion from within the grassroots to take the Republicans head-on when it came to the central issue of our time.  With Karen, our support sends a message to the Democratic Congress that we expect the people of New Orleans will finally receive the assistance and attention reality demands.  Nationally, it also sends a message that Democrats won't tolerate corruption on either side of the aisle.  

There are quite a few micro-similarities as well.  In Hackett's race, Republicans tried to weaken Jean Schmidt during the general in the hopes they could successfully primary her in 2006.  In LA-2, vanquished Democrats like State Senator Derrick Shepherd pummel Karen on "social issues" to help keep the seat in Jefferson's clutches until he is indicted.

There are differences too, of course.  There isn't palpable feeling of excitement on the trail day in and day out.  There isn't necessarily that "one event" happening daily to further a developing narrative.  There are happenings, however ... and here is today's first update from the trail:

The Fundrace
The latest FEC filings showed Carter on the short end of a $117k to $58k cash on hand difference.  She will make that up.  The mandated 48 hour reports and netroots fundraising page already show her closing up the gap.  Meanwhile, Jefferson's ability to infuse his campaign with cash seems to be totally drying up.  Take yesterday's 48-hour report:

Jefferson: $0
Carter: $ $22,200

That's just one day.  If spending between the two campaigns was equal (and my math is correct), I believe Carter would have gained the CoH advantage as of this afternoon.  It's also important to note EMILY'S List is doing a tremendous job helping keep Carter not only achieve financial parity with an incumbent, but actually out-fundraise him since their arrival.  More on EMILY's List later -- but they are doing heroes work down here.

Jefferson's New Ad Pulled From Air for Multiple Violations
Were I fending off bribery allegations in a re-election campaign, I would probably go out of my way to ensure everything campaign related went by the letter of the law.  Not William Jefferson.  Maybe it's minor, but his latest ad rebutting Karen's "spelling bee" piece fell short of regulations, not once, but twice.

First, it doesn't have the "stand by your ad" requirement -- the one were the candidate says, "I am so and so, and I approve this message."  Second, any ad that refers to an opponent must have a "a clearly readable printed statement, identifying the candidate, and stating that the candidate has approved the broadcast..."

Jefferson's ad has neither, and was pulled from the air today.  I'm sure he'll get another one up quick, but he'll most likely suffer another press hit that fits nicely into the rule breaking narrative.

Other Odds & Ends

• There are nine days to go between now and the big one -- early voting is well underway.

• The fifth place finisher in the November election, Troy Carter, has endorsed Karen Carter.  This pits #3 for Jefferson against #4 and #5 for Carter.

• One more similarity between this campaign and Hackett's that I mentioned in Breaking Blue yesterday.  The Carter campaign has turned the "What a Difference a Day Makes" entry found on MyDD into a radio spot currently running in New Orleans.  The Hackett "WADADM" piece was also turned into a spot by a Las Vegas TV producer (and blogger).

• I am trying to secure some sort of interview with Mayor Nagin to talk about this election and crime in New Orleans.