Two months from today New Orleans voters go to the polls for the mayoral primary.
Three candidates have emerged as front-runners.
Surveys consistently show Helena Moreno way out in front, with Oliver Thomas and Royce Duplessis fighting for second place.
Arthur Hunter was in a distant fourth place, but recently ended his campaign and threw his support behind Deuplessis.
Will his decision to drop out mean other candidates will follow?
Some speculate that there will be pressure on Thomas and Duplessis to leave the race so the other can force a runoff with Moreno.
Political Analyst Dr. Silas Lee doesn't see either of them quitting.
“People shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” Lee explains. “One person’s decision to leave the race doesn’t automatically indicate others are considering it. In fact, it may strengthen their resolve to stay in.”
Lee says the exit changes the lineup, but not the dynamics , at least not yet.
“Campaigning hasn’t really begun,” he says. “Things won’t ramp up until after September first, when the season traditionally shifts into high gear.”
With months to go before Election Day, Lee says the field still has plenty of time to take shape and plenty of room for surprises.
"You just never know."
