Incumbent Congressman John Fleming, R-Minden, has drawn at least one opponent for the November primary in this first day of candidate qualifying across Louisiana.
Randall Lord, a Libertarian and former chiropractor from Shreveport, says he believes voters in the 4th Congressional District need a choice.
"Where we differ the most is on the civil liberties issues,'' said the 1976 graduate of Byrd High School. Lord cited the abortion issue, saying he was pro-choice compared to Fleming's opposition to abortion rights. However, on some spending issues, "I probably agree with him on more than he might think." But while he agrees with Fleming in being "strong on defense...I  think we're spending way to much'' in that realm. Lord referred voters to his website http://lordforla.weebly.com/randall-lord.html for more information on his stances.
Lord currently is a full-time student at LSU-Shreveport where he is studying psychology. He said he is drawn to the research aspect of that field.
Elsewhere in congressional elections, three other incumbents have qualified.
That includes Charles Boustany of Lafayette and Jeff Landry of New Iberia, the two Republicans who were forced into the same southwest Louisiana district when the state lost a U.S. House seat because of population adjustments.
The redrawn district favors Boustany, who is seeking a fifth term, because it contains much of his existing district. Landry is courting the support of the tea party and framing himself as a Washington outsider in the hopes of ousting Boustany.
A third Republican also filed, Bryan Barrilleaux of Lake Charles, as did a Libertarian, "Jim" Stark, also of Lake Charles.
First District incumbent Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, drew a "no party" candidate from Ponchatoula, Arden Wells, and another Republican challenger, Gary King, of New Orleans.
In the 2nd District, incumbent Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, has drawn a Republican challenger from the Crescent City, Josue Laros.
Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, is the only qualifier so far to defend his 5th Congressional District seat. In the 6th District, U.S. Rep. William "Bill" Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, so far finds himself in a race with a Libertarian, Rufus Holt Craig Jr., also of Baton Rouge.
The official qualifying period began Wednesday. Candidates must file paperwork and pay their fees by Friday if they want to run in the Nov. 6 election. Qualifying will continue through Friday.