Louisianans go to the polls amid Katrina anniversary

NEW ORLEANS — Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) planned to follow his Election Day routine early Saturday and go door knocking in a precinct in Jefferson Parish — a tradition he’s carried over since his days running for the House. 

Saturday is Louisiana’s primary vote, and Vitter is facing several challengers, including former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor (R). But in a sign of how confident he is of a positive result, Vitter doesn’t have a public primary night party planned.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senate candidate Charlie Melancon has a full day of campaigning planned. He’s making several stops in the New Orleans area before his election night party in the Crescent City.

The Republican primary in Melancon's House district, the third, is also being watched to see whether Hunt Downer, Jeff Landry or Kristian Magar emerges to face Ravi Sangisetty (D) in November. Candidates need to break 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff in Louisiana.

In the 2nd district, Democrats Eugene Green, Gary Johnson, Juan LaFonta and Cedric Richmond are vying to take on Rep. Ahn "Joseph" Cao (R-La.) in November. This primary could also head to a runoff.

With rain lashing New Orleans, Democratic turnout is expected to be low in the southern part of the state.