Will Kennedy run for governor?

Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy said Tuesday he will make an announcement about whether he will run for governor by Dec. 1 and released a poll showing him leading Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in a head-to-head race.

Although Kennedy didn't tip his hand, he sounds like somebody who plans to challenge Edwards in the fall 2019 race.

“I love my job in the United States Senate," he said, "but it’s hard to stomach what is happening to Louisiana right now. Private sector job growth is among the lowest in the country. Too many of our kids can’t read their diplomas.

"Medicaid spending is almost half of our entire budget with little or no effort to control costs. The state’s criminal release program ignores public safety. And our governor continues to believe we are just one tax increase away from prosperity."

The SurveyUSA poll commissioned by Kennedy shows him leading Edwards 48 percent to 39 percent in a runoff.

But Kennedy's poll also elevated him above other potential Republican challengers Eddie Rispone, who has said he will run and spend at least $5 million of his own money; state Attorney General Jeff Landry; and 5th District Congressman Ralph Abraham.

Landry has publicly said he will step aside if Kennedy enters the race; Abraham is still considering his options.

If all five ran, Kennedy's polls shows Edwards with 36 percent, Kennedy with 30 percent, Landry with 8 percent, Abraham with 6 percent and Rispone with 4 percent. The poll reported 18 percent undecided.

"This poll shows widespread dissatisfaction with what’s happening to our state and its good people," Kennedy said. "I’ll be making an announcement by December 1st about my future plans.”

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1