Why Bill Cassidy’s low-key strategy to defeat Mary Landrieu seems to be working

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Washington — Chances are that Republican Bill Cassidy doesn’t consult an actual game plan that spells out how he can unseat Democrat Mary Landrieu in the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana that will be decided Dec. 6.

But if he were doing so, it could read something like this:

For the Nov. 4 open primary, establish a position as the best-financed, mainstream Republican candidate to fend off any tea party challenge.

Hang the albatross of President Barack Obama — a Democrat widely unpopular in Louisiana — around Landrieu’s neck.

Finish first or second in the primary while keeping Landrieu below the majority needed for an outright win, to set up a head-to-head, Republican-vs-Democrat showdown with her in the Dec. 6 runoff in a state that increasingly votes Republican.

Unify Republicans behind your candidacy in the runoff.

Draw lots of support from highly motivated national Republican organizations and conservative political groups for advertising and field operations in runoff.

Avoid mistakes. Run a risk-averse campaign.

Ride the Republican wave to victory Dec. 6.

So far, so good for Cassidy, who, if opinion polls are to be believed, is well on his way to ending Landrieu’s 18-year run in the Senate.

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