Scandals, mudslinging and hypocrisy; welcome to Louisiana politics.

This governor’s election has particularly challenged me.

The runoff race is in full swing, and Louisiana is more than ready for a new governor.

But who will it be?

Republican senator David Vitter and Democrat representative John Bel Edwards debated this past week and will square off again Nov. 16.

Though they differ on some obvious issues, they agree on others.

Both are pro-life, oppose Common Core and support private gun ownership and coastline restoration.

Though both oppose same-sex marriage, Edwards believes public officials should abide by the Supreme Court decision.

Each candidate opposes making marijuana legal for recreation but Edwards supports its medicinal use.

Both are open to increasing Medicaid coverage.

Higher education and health – two unprotected sectors – have felt severe cuts. Both promise to untangle the state budget.

Louisiana needs a governor who will achieve his campaign promises in office.

At 18, I registered as an Independent. Some said I was trying to be different and a little rebellious and yes, I was.

I see more tradition than truth or value in institutional politics, religions and cultural ideologies. So I registered outside of the mainstream box. It was my quiet way of maintaining personal integrity.

At my core, I am a conservative democratic Libertarian.

(Thanks to my Gen-Y status, I can claim that.)

I have conservative values, believe in a free will largely unhampered by government interference and to quote Charles Koch, I want “peace, civility, tolerance and well-being for everyone.”

I usually vote Republican due to my conservative roots and because I love my freedom more than big government.

But this election, my decision comes down to character over ideology. And, based on my voting record, one could say I’m about to cross party lines.

Why does David Vitter turn me off?

First, Vitter was a no-show at many debates. That demonstrates a lack of commitment and care for the Louisiana people.

Second, he has a spotty reputation.

Granted, the infamous escort scandal occurred 15 years ago.

Though I am an advocate of second chances and forgiveness, I have to insert my “however.”

Politically involved people need to accept the reality of hyper-scrutiny and the responsibility it brings.

And for goodness sakes, avoid compromising situations and there’ll be no reason to hide behind smear campaigns and accusations.

Some excuse Vitter’s behavior by stressing that his political decisions outweigh his moral compass.

But if Vitter’s moral compass allows him to cheat on his wife with an escort service, what else will that moral compass allow him to do politically?

Oh, wait: Spygate.

Vitter hired a private investigator to spy on various Louisiana citizens – not fifteen years ago, but one month ago.

So hold it, Hardy Boy.  Your short-lived amateur sleuthing days are over as the FBI investigates the blatant privacy breach.

Obviously, character isn’t confined to one or two areas of life. Character affects every choice and decision.

This month, look past tradition. You don’t have to vote for the establishment’s sake. As Shakespeare said, what’s in a name?

What name do you want for Louisiana?

Think about it as you head to the voting booth.