Landrieu, Kennedy trade barbs, labels

• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Oct 7, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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In their first debate, Democrat U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu branded Republican challenger John Kennedy as a “confused” politician Monday while Kennedy painted Landrieu as part of a broken political system in Washington.

Landrieu, who is seeking her third term, verbally jabbed Kennedy for changing political parties in 2007.

She said it was  part of a pattern of political flip-flops that have marked his career.

“I am going to continue to say that my political opponent is confused,” Landrieu said. “That is the kindest thing I can say.”

If not confused, she said, Kennedy would have to be viewed as a political opportunist for his switches.

Kennedy, who is state treasurer, countered that Landrieu is a featured player in Washington’s broken political setup, especially Congress.

“It is in the ditch,” he said.

Kennedy said Landrieu is badly out of step with the views of mainstream Louisiana voters, including her support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

“I don’t think I am confused,” Kennedy said. “I am just conservative.

“I think Sen. Landrieu thinks most conservatives are confused,” he added.

Kennedy said he switched from Democrat to Republican because he felt isolated.

“When I was a conservative Democrat, I was an outcast,” he said.

Kennedy and Landrieu traded views during a 65-minute appearance at the Press Club of Baton Rouge.