The Tea Party of South Louisiana sponsored its first debate Wednesday with hopes that 40 people turned out. To the pleasant surprise of the organization, the six candidates who are vying for the state Senate District 22 seat drew more than 250.

That is an indication that the new political organization is gaining ground as a viable participant in local politics and, more importantly, voters are paying attention in this off-season, fast-paced election to select a new state senator for Iberia and St. Martin parishes.

Voter participation is so important. Certainly there is a base group of voters for each candidate, some obviously larger than others. The key is to get the general electorate engaged in an off-cycle election.

Oftentimes, winter elections are when public entities put tax issues on the ballot. Whether new taxes or renewals, the turnout in these elections is traditionally lower. Many of these elections fly under the radar. Selecting a new senator, especially on the eve of reapportionment and redistricting, should not go  unnoticed. Based on audience turnout with freezing temperatures outside, many made the effort to hear what these six candidates had to say and election could have a good turnout.

There are some important issues in this election in addition to reapportionment. The state is almost $2 billion in the hole and cuts have to be made somewhere; areas of the state are looking for new industry to come to their communities; and the polarization of the two-party system seen in national politics is making its way to the state level, whereby voters are paying more attention to party than issue.

This election is about more than party politics. No matter what the affiliation of a candidate, a consensus of the constituency is what should drive any legislator. When that constituency appears to be engaged as indicated by Wednesday night’s turnout, it appears we should have good participation in the Jan. 22 election. By the way, for voters who might be elsewhere then, you can vote early today, Friday and Saturday at your parish registrar of voters office.

This election will set the stage for fall elections and give an advantage to someone in those elections when we select legislators for the next four years. Voter participation now is equally important. Let’s hope for a good turnout at the polls.

As for those voters who were unable to attend Wednesday’s forum, you have another chance on Tuesday when the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce holds another at the Sliman in downtown New Iberia. Y’all come.

JEFF ZERINGUE

MANAGING EDITOR