The Nation - News from March 31, 1985

Cathy Long, 61, was favored to win a five-way primary race over the weekend to fill the seat left vacant by the death of her husband, Rep. Gillis W. Long, a Democrat. Voting in Louisiana’s 8th Congressional District was reported to be moderate, with 35% of registered voters expected to cast ballots. State Rep. John (Jock) Scott, 37, a Democrat and lawyer, was considered to be Long’s strongest contender. Also in the special election were lawyer Daniel Becnel, real estate agent Frank McTopy and nurseryman Clyde Holloway Hill, the only Republican in the field. The late congressman, who served eight terms, died of a heart attack in January.