Changes

In the spring of 2006, Chandler succeeded [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] [[Thomas D. Wright​]] of Jena, who had earlier resigned the position. As a Democrat, Chandler defeated Republican Tony Kevin Owens (born June 22, 1960), who had then relocated from Winnfield to Jena. Chandler received 5,034 votes (54 percent) to Owens' 4,234 votes (46 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/04292006/04292006_Legislative.html|title=Louisiana legislative election returns, April 29, 2006|publisher=staticresults.sos.la.gov|accessdate=August 26, 2011}}</ref>  

In the spring of 2006, Chandler succeeded [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] [[Thomas D. Wright​]] of Jena, who had earlier resigned the position. As a Democrat, Chandler defeated Republican Tony Kevin Owens (born June 22, 1960), who had then relocated from Winnfield to Jena. Chandler received 5,034 votes (54 percent) to Owens' 4,234 votes (46 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/04292006/04292006_Legislative.html|title=Louisiana legislative election returns, April 29, 2006|publisher=staticresults.sos.la.gov|accessdate=August 26, 2011}}</ref>  

Five Democrats and four Republicans had competed in the first round of balloting on April 1, 2006. The Democrats polled a combined 57 percent of the vote to the [[Republican Party|GOP]]'s 43 percent. The top candidates were Owens, with 1,858 (18 percent) and Chandler, with 1,574 (16 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/04012006/04012006_Legislative.html|title=Louisiana legislative election returns, April 1, 2006|publisher=staticresults.sos.la.gov|accessdate=August 26, 2011}}</ref> In the runoff, Owens doubled his votes, but Chandler tripled his share of the tabulation.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'', April 30, 2006</ref>

Five Democrats and four Republicans had competed in the first round of balloting on April 1, 2006. The Democrats polled a combined 57 percent of the vote to the [[Republican Party|GOP]]'s 43 percent. The top candidates were Owens, with 1,858 (18 percent) and Chandler, with 1,574 (16 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/04012006/04012006_Legislative.html|title=Louisiana legislative election returns, April 1, 2006|publisher=staticresults.sos.la.gov|accessdate=August 26, 2011}}</ref> In the runoff, Owens doubled his votes, but Chandler tripled his share of the tabulation.<ref name="ReferenceA">''[[Alexandria Town Talk]],'' April 30, 2006</ref>

Owens had also lost to Wright in the 2003 general election. He was weakened in the 2006 race because of controversy surrounding a divorce. The seat had become  vacant when Wright resigned as part of a [[plea bargain]] involving a [[misdemeanor]] [[obscenity]] charge at Lake Buhlow in Pineville.<ref>''Alexandria Daily Town Talk,'' December 30, 2005.</ref>

Owens had also lost to Wright in the 2003 general election. He was weakened in the 2006 race because of controversy surrounding a divorce. The seat had become  vacant when Wright resigned as part of a [[plea bargain]] involving a [[misdemeanor]] [[obscenity]] charge at Lake Buhlow in Pineville.<ref>''Alexandria Daily Town Talk,'' December 30, 2005.</ref>