McAllister bests Riser in Louisiana congressional runoff

Businessman Vance McAllister, making his first foray into politics, defeated state Sen. Neil Riser in a runoff Saturday for a Louisiana congressional seat. The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported that with all precincts in the 5th District reporting the Monroe oilman pulled in 60 percent of the vote, breezing by Riser by 17,500 votes. Unofficial figures from the secretary of state's office showed the turnout was just 19 percent, the newspaper said. The two Republicans squared off after they were the top two vote-getters in last month's primary election. "I'm so humbled. So humbled. This is such a great monumental win -- victory," McAllister said following his victory. "[This race] was never about why not to vote for Neil Riser. It was about why to vote for Vance McAllister." The Riser camp had no comment on the loss Saturday, a campaign spokesman said. The 5th District seat became available when Alexander, R-Quitman, unexpectedly announced he was stepping down to take a job as Gov.' Bobby Jindal's administration as veterans affairs secretary.