Mike Johnson On Kennedy Announcement: ‘I Was Really Surprised’ [VIDEO]

Congressman Mike Johnson talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright about the latest twist in the Louisiana Governor's race, specifically the surprise announcement by Senator John Kennedy that he will not run against John Bel Edwards.

Johnson tells KEEL listeners, "I'll be very honest. I was really surprised. I'm very close to Senator Kennedy, he and I talk all the time. I think even his staff was under the assumption that he would announce that he would run for governor. So, it kind of came out of the blue."

In a statement released on Monday morning, the man assumed by many to be a shoe-in to topple Edwards said:

“I love being in the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2019. It is such an honor to represent the people of Louisiana in the United States Senate. Right now, that’s where I think I can do the most good.”

In the absence of Kennedy - and Attorney General Jeff Landry - names most often mentioned are Congressman Ralph Abraham, State Treasurer John Schroder and State Senator Sharon Hewitt.