U.S. Representative Bob Livingston of New Orleans led the party as it rallied behind Jenkins. Support also came from Edward J. Steimel, former executive director of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Jenkins ran first in the primary with 27 percent of the vote. He and Landrieu then competed in the November general election. Former President George H. W. Bush came to campaign on Jenkins' behalf. He defended Jenkins against Democrat charges that Jenkins had personally benefited with rent and salaries from a charity which Jenkins headed. Other party figures supporting Jenkins were Senators John McCain of Arizona, Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi, and Connie Mack, III, of Florida. Governor Foster and former Governors David C. Treen, Buddy Roemer, and the Democrat former Governor Jimmie Davis all endorsed Jenkins too.