Charlie Melancon Campaign Committee, Resumes

"They want the job of Congressman," begins this ad for Charlie Melancon, Democratic nominee for the 3rd District of Louisiana.

"Compare their resumes," says the narrator.

"Charlie Melancon. Small businessman, the sugar industry's top leader, and a job creation expert. Melancon, pro-life and against gay marriage." These positions, and an 'A' rating from the NRA, are listed off.

"And little Billy Tauzin?" asks the narrator. "A Coast Guard Academy dropout. Sold cell phones in a mall. Arrested for a D.W.I. Even lied about his age." A bad picture of Tauzin appears next to his sparse 'resume,' dotted with disparaging remarks in red pen.

"Melancon, the man for the job," the narrator says, as the Congressman is shown walking through the woods with another man. Both wear hunting gear and have guns slung over their shoulders.

Melancon then appears with his family. Reminders of his pro-life stance and NRA rating pop up.

Louisiana's 3rd District lacked an incumbent for the first time in 24 years, and six candidates ran for the seat. The Republican nominees were: W.J. Billy Tauzin III, Sen. Craig Romero, and Kevin Chiasson. The Democratic nominees were: Charlie Melancon, Damon Baldone, and Charmaine Caccioppi.

In November 2004, Tauzin received 32% of the vote, Melancon received 24%, and 23% went to Craig Romero. Since none of the candidates received more than 50% of votes, the top two vote-getters won spots in a December 2004 runoff. In this final race, Melancon garnered 50.2% of votes, narrowly beating out Tauzin's 49.8%, and ultimately winning the House seat.