Bill Cassidy, facing Trump-backed challenger, bets on ‘who delivers’

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is running for a third term on a pivotal wager: that a record of delivering federal dollars to Louisiana and pushing bills into law matters more to Republican primary voters than the approval of President Trump.

His willingness to buck Trump might prove too risky for re-election in a state that has overwhelmingly supported the president over the past decade. Trump’s endorsement in the race went to U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who announced her candidacy this month after he publicly urged her to run. Five other Republicans had already lined up to challenge Cassidy: state Treasurer and former U.S. Rep. John Fleming, state Sen. Blake Miguez, Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Council member Kathy Seiden. State Rep. Julie Emerson ended her bid this month.

Each shares what they consider a crucial advantage over Cassidy: no history of breaking with Trump.

Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump following his impeachment over the...