VIDALIA— Louisiana Secretary of State Jay Dardenne visited the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center Monday night to campaign for lieutenant governor.

“I hate giving up the Secretary of State position,” he said. “But I’m real excited about running for lieutenant governor.”

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland and Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothin along with Sheriff Randy Maxwell and Ferriday Police Chief Kenneth Hedrick of the Ferriday Police Department were just a few of the people at the meet and greet at the convention center.

Dardenne is one of eight officials running for the position of lieutenant governor, and said he realizes there will be some challenges he must face if elected.

“All challenges create opportunity,” he said.

Some of the things in which Dardenne said are important include marketing Louisiana outside of just New Orleans.

“With the 200th anniversary of the state coming up, there are some good opportunities for tourism all over the state,” he said.

Dardenne said voter turnout is something that needs to be addressed.

Dardenne said during the elections on Aug. 28, around 8 percent of the state population voted.

“We are looking at around 20 percent for the upcoming election,” he said. “People need to come out and vote.”

Dardenne said he was glad to be back in Concordia Parish.

“I hope to be back often,” he said. “There is an incredible river opportunity here, and I would like to help continue to develop the area.”