Returns show New Orleans Mayor Landrieu with lead
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu thanked the city's voters for giving him a second term as early election returns showed him with a commanding lead.
Landrieu went into Saturday's election touting a drop in the city's murder rate and an endorsement from President Barack Obama. With half of 366 precincts reporting, Landrieu had 65 percent of the vote.
The city's beleaguered sheriff, Marlin Gusman, also led over three opponents. Gusman came under fire last year for problems at the city jail, including violence, drug use and escapes. The question was whether he would get a majority or face a runoff against former Sheriff Charles Foti (FOH'-tee).
Gusman had 49 percent of the vote, with half of the precincts reporting.
The Associated Press has not projected a winner in either race.
