Special to the American Press

Independent candidate for governor has already risen to No. 3 in polls

Hunter Lundy, the No. 3 candidate in the polls, launched a new, $1 million-plus statewide ad blitz today in his independent campaign for governor.

Television, radio, print and digital advertisements will carry multiple messages from Lundy’s rising campaign.

“We’re excited to find our campaign in third place before running our first TV ad of the year,” said Lundy, a Lake Charles business owner and attorney.

The centerpiece of the newest campaign effort is a straight-talk video, “I Won’t Let You Down,” with Lundy talking directly to voters about what he’ll do as governor:

For working people: “I’ve always been on the side of David, not Goliath.”

For job opportunities: “We have too much poverty. Raise the minimum wage.”

For education: “Stop teaching for a test. Get students outside to learn people skills and character.”

For reducing the cycle of crime: “80 percent prisoners get out of jail. They need to learn to read and write — or learn a trade.”

For quality of life: “People who wreck our air and water need to clean it up right now.”

“These politicians aren’t doing what works,” he said. “But I will, and I won’t let you down.”

Lundy said a work ethic instilled by his parents and his personal faith will drive his efforts as governor.

“When I embraced God, it changed my heart,” he said.

“Our government doesn’t trust us to know what we need. But we do,” he said. “I have nothing in this politics game but a servant’s heart — and a stubborn desire to talk about things that should be done. I’ll say things that should be said. And that’s what I’ll do.”

Lundy has been politically active in Southwest Louisiana for more than 25 years.

He previously ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and narrowly lost the runoff election to Congressman Chris John.

“When the campaign is over and if I’m your governor, I’ll say ‘I do,’ cancel the victory party, call the Legislature into session, and do exactly what I said I’d do during the campaign,’’ he said when announcing his candidacy earlier this year.

The primary election is Oct. 14. Gov. John Bel Edwards is term-limited from seeking re-election.