From a release this afternoon by the Louisiana Republican Party, Jeff Landry has secured the state party endorsement over Hunt Downer in the runoff election Oct. 2 for the GOP nomination in the 3rd Congressional District race:

“The Republican Party of Louisiana urges Republicans in the Third Congressional District to unite behind the candidacy of Jeff Landry in the election for Congress,” said Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger Villere.  “This is a very important seat and could conceivably provide the deciding vote to unseat Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.”

On Saturday, Mr. Landry was a mere 162 votes short of officially claiming Republican Party’s nomination when he earned 49.6% of the vote in a three-person field.

The Republican Party of Louisiana now joins the majority of Republican Party leaders in the Third District, the Tea Party of Louisiana and the Republican voters of District 3 in supporting Jeff Landry.

“I extend my thanks to Hunt Downer and Kristian Magar, two honorable men who have served their country with distinction, for running such spirited campaigns,” said Villere. “I salute both of them and look forward to working with them in the future. It is now time to unite behind Jeff Landry to defeat our well-financed liberal opponent who will be a rubber stamp for Obama and Pelosi.”