'Wags' makes first TV buy in Louisiana governor's race as he tries to reel in Jeff Landry

Republican Stephen Waguespack's campaign has placed its first major TV ad buy in the Louisiana governor's race set to run on broadcast and cable in the state's three largest cities and statewide on other digital platforms as he seeks to cut into Jeff Landry's lead in the GOP field.

Waguespack's campaign is spending more than $600,000 on the package.

He joins Landry, the state's attorney general, and Republican Treasurer John Schroder as the only candidates who have invested in major TV buys.

Waguespack portrays himself as a business leader and outsider in the two spots, though he was once chief of staff for former Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal and most recently spent much time in the Capitol as the president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

"I'm a business leader; an outsider," he says in one of the ads. "As governor I'll create jobs by cutting taxes and regulations, improve education and train workers for jobs here at home."

In the other ad, he says: "Insiders have had their chance; it's time for an outsider who can get the job done."

Waguespack dismissed Landry's early lead among Republicans during qualifying last week, saying voters are only now beginning to pay attention to the race.

"All of the experts in the smoke filled rooms who said this election was decided six month ago are wrong," Waguespack said during qualifying last week. "The truth is we're reaching a couple of pivot points now (official qualifying and Labor Day).

"Historically people really start paying attention after Labor Day. I think you'll begin to start seeing a lot of movement."

The top two candidates in the Oct. 14 primary election will move on to a head-to-head runoff election Nov. 18.

Since former Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson has consolidated support as the only major Democrat in the race, he is expected to win one of the runoff spots.

That means the rest of the GOP field, which includes state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, state Rep. Richard Nelson in addition to Schroder and Waguespack, and wealthy Independent attorney Hunter Lundy must find a way to leap over Landry.

Landry, who has secured the Louisiana Republican Party endorsement, has posted a sizable lead among the GOP candidates in all candidate and independent polls made public so far in the race.

“For too long, career politicians have put their own interests ahead of the great state of Louisiana,” Waguespack said in a statement. “When I’m Governor, that will change on Day One. Louisiana deserves new leadership with fresh ideas and I’m the only candidate in this race who will fight back against the broken establishment and for better jobs and a brighter future for our children.”

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Stephen Waguespack makes first TV buy in Louisiana governor's race