Elections Commissioner
Terrell was a Republican city councilwoman in New Orleans during the 1990s. In November 1999, she was elected as Louisiana elections commissioner. She defeated a fellow Republican, Louis E. "Woody" Jenkins of Baton Rouge, in the general election -- 437,817 (59%) to 302,261 (41%). However, Jenkins had led in the primary, 26 percent to 22 percent. Incumbent Democrat Jerry Fowler of Natchitoches, engulfed in scandal, ran third and was eliminated in the primary. In 1996 Jenkins had opposed Terrell's would-be Senate opponent, Mary Landrieu, but lost by about 4,000 votes.
As elections commissioner, Terrell streamlined department operations and advocated the merging of her office with the secretary of state, who already oversaw some elections operations. She was successful in abolishing her office as her term ended in 2004.
Read more about this topic: Suzanne Haik Terrell
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