“I’m endorsing Billy Nungesser for Lt. Governor. Billy’s a proven job creator and business leader. He’s a conservative reformer, whose focus is to protect Louisiana taxpayers. Billy is a tested leader, a tireless fighter and he isn’t afraid to stand up to President Obama, the federal government or any private company to defend Louisiana. A staunch pro-life advocate and friend of our sportsmen – we need Billy as our next Lt. Governor.”

So went a statement from U.S. Sen. David Vitter, whose backing of Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser this morning in the latter’s race against incumbent Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne might be the most significant of the fall election cycle.

There isn’t any polling on the race yet, but it’s shaping up to be the most interesting, by far, of the bunch.

UPDATE: Nungesser’s statement on the endorsement…

“I am honored and humbled to have Senator Vitter join my campaign.  He has recognized I am the business candidate in this race.  I have built an oil field service company from the ground up and created over 250 Louisiana jobs. I know how important our oil industry, our seafood industry and our tourism industry is to this state and how crucial it is to have a tireless fighter on the front lines to grow these vital components of our economic backbone.

Like Senator Vitter, I am a true conservative.   As the next Lt. Governor, I will be vigilant in demanding our government spend less and tax less.  And the people of Louisiana have a guarantee, I will always be a protector of the unborn and the rights of our sportsmen.”