Qualifying ended at 5 p.m. today

• By SARAH CHACKO
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Jul 11, 2008 - UPDATED: 7:15 p.m.

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Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu formally signed up Friday for her re-election bid, during the final day of the candidate sign-up period and shortly after her top GOP challenger qualified for the race that has shaped up as a two-person contest.

Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy talked of the need for change in Congress, while Landrieu spoke of the experience she's gained during her 12 years in office.

Baton Rouge state Rep. Michael Jackson filed this afternoon as a No Party candidate for the seat of his former House colleague, U.S. Rep. Don Cazayoux

Jackson, formerly a Democrat, and Cazayoux, D-New Roads, beat out two other Democrats in the primary election for the 6th U.S. Congressional District seat in March. Cazayoux defeated Jackson in the second primary election in April and went on to win the seat in May.

Jackson, of Baton Rouge, said he will stick to his Democratic principles. But, he said, “Realistically we believe it’s an easier route to deal with this new primary system.”

Jackson said the view shared by some that he is ensuring a win for Republican contender state Sen. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge is narrow.

Jackson said he is relying on the greater voter turnout expected for this fall’s presidential election to help him in the 6th District race.

“This is the ideal scenario,” Jackson said. “This is what elections should be about.”

Candidates must sign up for state and congressional fall elections in person; via proxy, which is a person authorized to act for a candidate; or by mail by 5 p.m. today.

Though it differs for each election, candidates generally “qualify” for a race by paying a fee and meeting certain requirements such as age, citizenship and residency.

The primary election, to select the candidates from each party, is Sept. 6. A runoff election is scheduled for Oct. 4 if no clear winner emerges in the party primary.

The general election, scheduled for Nov. 4, will pit candidates from each recognized political party and those without party affiliation. The candidates who get the most votes Nov. 4 win the seats for Congress and the Senate.

Two Republicans qualified Friday to challenge U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-New Orleans, this fall.