| − | In 1986, Cain ran unsuccessfully in the primary for the since disbanded Louisiana 7th congressional district, then vacated by Democrat [[John Breaux]], at the time from Crowley in Acadia Parish, who would instead win the seat of retiring [[U.S. Senator]] [[Russell Long]]. Cain only narrowly failed to gain a general election berth, and the seat was won by Democrat (and later Republican) Jimmy Hayes of Lafayette. Cain polled 40,554 votes (24 percent), but he was edged out of second place by legislative colleague Margaret Lowenthal of Lake Charles, who received 42,839 (25 percent). Hayes led with 51,137 (30 percent). Also in the race was the Republican [[David Thibodaux]] of Lafayette, who received 21,082 (12 percent). Two other contenders shared the remaining 8 percent of the vote. In the general election, Hayes defeated Lowenthal.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, September 27, 1986.</ref> | + | In 1986, Cain ran unsuccessfully in the primary for the since disbanded Louisiana 7th congressional district, then vacated by Democrat [[John Breaux]], at the time from Crowley in Acadia Parish, who would instead win the seat of retiring [[U.S. Senator]] [[Russell Long]]. Cain only narrowly failed to gain a general election berth, and the seat was won by Democrat (and later Republican) Jimmy Hayes of Lafayette. Cain polled 40,554 votes (24 percent), but he was edged out of second place by legislative colleague [[Margaret Lowenthal]] of Lake Charles, who received 42,839 (25 percent). Hayes led with 51,137 (30 percent). Also in the race was the Republican [[David Thibodaux]] of Lafayette, who received 21,082 (12 percent). Two other contenders shared the remaining 8 percent of the vote. In the general election, Hayes defeated Lowenthal.<ref>Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, September 27, 1986.</ref> |