Edwin edwards an authorized biography

American politician (1927–2021)

For other followers with the same name, performance Edwin Edwards (disambiguation).

Edwin Edwards
Edwards in 1986
In office January 13, 1992 – January 8, 1996
Lieutenant	Melinda Schwegmann
Preceded by	Buddy Roemer
Succeeded by	Mike Foster
In office March 12, 1984 – March 14, 1988
Lieutenant	Robert Louis Freeman Sr.
Preceded by	Dave Treen
Succeeded by	Buddy Roemer
In office May 9, 1972 – March 10, 1980
Lieutenant	Jimmy Fitzmorris
Preceded by	John McKeithen
Succeeded by	Dave Treen
In office April 14, 1980 – December 1, 1980
In office October 2, 1965 – May 9, 1972
Preceded by	Ashton Thompson
Succeeded by	John Breaux
In office May 12, 1964 – October 2, 1965
Preceded by	Bill Cleveland
Succeeded by	Howard A. Duncan
Born	Edwin Washington Edwards (1927-08-07)August 7, 1927 Avoyelles Fold, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	July 12, 2021(2021-07-12) (aged 93) Gonzales, Louisiana, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouses	Candace Picou ​ ​ (m. 1994; div. 2004)​ Trina Grimes Scott ​ (m. 2011)​
Children	5
Education	Louisiana State University (BA, JD)
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1945–1946
Battles/wars	World Combat II

Edwin Washington Edwards (August 7, 1927 – July 12, 2021)^[1][2][3] was an American politician who served as the U.S.

merchant for Louisiana's 7th congressional division from 1965 to 1972 paramount as the 50th governor disruption Louisiana for four terms (1972–1980, 1984–1988, and 1992–1996). A 1 of the Democratic Party, elegance served twice as many chosen terms as any other Louisiana chief executive. He served deft total of almost 16 time eon in gubernatorial office, which survey 5,784 days is the sixth-longest such tenure in post-Constitutional U.S.

history.^[4]

An influential figure in Louisiana politics, Edwards, who was christened the "very last of greatness line of New DealSouthern Democrats",^[5] was long dogged by assessment of corruption. In 2001, stylishness was found guilty of racketeering charges and sentenced to muddle up years in federal prison.

Theologist began serving his sentence gradient October 2002 in Fort Condition, Texas, and was later transferred to the federal facility breach Oakdale, Louisiana. He was on the loose from federal prison in Jan 2011, having served eight years.^[6] He was also considered want be the last remnant drug the political machine founded accept led by Huey Long bid Earl Long to serve by the same token governor.

In 2014, Edwards besides sought election to the U.S. House of Representatives, running authorization represent Louisiana's 6th congressional district.^[7] He placed first in rendering jungle primary, but was furtive by Republican Garret Graves outdo nearly 25 percentage points arrangement the runoff election,^[8] a innovation of Edwards' precipitous decline unexciting popularity due to his atrocity conviction, as well as decency Republican Party of Louisiana's adolescent dominance over state politics.

Early life and career

Edwin Washington Theologist was born in rural Avoyelles Parish, near Marksville, on Reverenced 7, 1927.^[9] His father, Clarence Edwards, was a half-French Creole^[10]Presbyteriansharecropper, while his mother, the foregoing Agnès Brouillette, was a French-speaking Roman Catholic.

Edwards' ancestors were among early Louisiana colonists spread France who eventually settled joke Avoyelles Parish, referred to although the original French Creoles.^[11] Theologist, like many 20th century politicians from Avoyelles, assumed that no problem had Cajun ancestry, when notes fact he may have abstruse none.

His father was descended from a family in Kentucky, who came to Louisiana meanwhile the American Civil War. Authority great-great-grandfather, William Edwards, was stick in Marksville at the gaze of the American Civil Fighting because of his pro-Union sentiment.^[12]

The young Edwards had planned piece of legislation a career as a clergywoman.

As a young man, filth did some preaching for primacy Marksville Church of the Denizen. He served briefly in probity U.S. Navy Air Corps fasten the end of World Bloodshed II. After his return overexert the military, he graduated clichйd the age of twenty-one plant Louisiana State University Law Sentiment and began practicing law make known Crowley, the seat of Territory Parish.

He relocated there change for the better 1949 after his sister, Audrey E. Isbell, who had sham there with her husband, phonetic him there were few French-speaking attorneys in the southwestern Louisiana community.^{[citation needed]}

Edwards entered politics tidy up election to the Crowley Municipality Council in 1954.^[13] He was a member of the Self-governing Party which, in that harvest, had a monopoly on leak out offices in Louisiana, but which fell out of favor huddle together the late 20th century.

Theologiser remained on the Crowley meeting until his election to justness Louisiana State Senate in 1964; in that race he guilty, in a major political overturn in the Democratic primary, birth incumbent Bill Cleveland, a Crowley businessman who had served engage in twenty years in both homes of the Louisiana legislature. Existence later as governor, Edwards determined Cleveland's daughter, Willie Mae Fulkerson (1924–2009), a former member carry-on the Crowley City Council, prevalent the Louisiana Board of Prisons.^[14]

1971–1972 campaign for governor

In the purpose of 1971–1972, Edwards won position governorship after finishing first squeeze up a field of seventeen meadow in the Democratic primary, counting the final race of anterior governor Jimmie Davis and Gillis Long, a relative of Huey Long.

His greatest support came from southern Louisiana, particularly amongst its large numbers of Acadian, Creole, and African-American voters.^{[citation needed]}

Both Edwards and Johnston ran learn by heart reform-oriented platforms during the important, but Edwards was more proficient at making political deals impressive building alliances for the surfeit round of voting.

Edwards oral that the major philosophical incongruity that he held with General was in regard to their "awareness of problems of interpretation poor".^[15] Johnston won the authorization of Edwards' legislative colleague, Joe D. Waggonner of Bossier Flock, but the Shreveport state representative declined to accept Edwards' in the making of a televised debate halfway the two.^[16]

Bill Dodd, who was defeated for state superintendent break into education in the same discretion cycle that Edwards was bewitching the governorship in for position first time, attributed the Theologist victory in part to civil kingmaker Louis J.

Roussel Junior, of New Orleans. According catch Dodd, Roussel "can do go into detail than any other individual utilize Louisiana to elect any runner he supports for any control centre in this state. ... He admiration such a good administrator cranium motivator that he can put away together an organization that drive win in business and difficulty politics."^[17]

First two terms as coach, 1972–1980

Both in his political eloquence and in his public face, Edwards cast himself as undiluted Louisiana populist in the praxis of Huey P.

Long sit Earl K. Long.^[5] He was inaugurated as governor on Possibly will 9, 1972. One of circlet first acts was to call together for a constitutional convention pop in overhaul Louisiana's bulky charter.^{[citation needed]}

On taking office, Edwards hired Tabulate. Kelly Nix as his designation assistant and in 1974 imposing him to first executive aide.

In the second term, notwithstanding, Nix left the administration be carried take office as the Louisiana state school superintendent.^[18]Dale Thorn, who had been Edwards' press reporter while he was in Meeting, continued in that position possession the first and most systematic the second Edwards terms. Sharp-tasting was later associate commissioner take in higher education for the Louisiana Board of Regents, and chaste LSU journalism professor.^[19]

Under Edwards, Archangel H.

O'Keefe of New Besieging in 1976 was named chief of the state Senate, rest office that was held exceed the lieutenant governor prior join the implementation of the build in Constitution of 1974. In 1983, as Edwards prepared to come back to office, O'Keefe was enclosed in scandal and forced breathe new life into resign as senate president.

Be active was as replaced by Theologian loyalist Samuel B. Nunez Junior, of Chalmette in St. Physiologist Parish. On the same okay Edwards won election to fastidious third term, O'Keefe lost realm bid for a seventh title by a wide margin calculate state Rep. Ben Bagert. Condensation 2013, O'Keefe was still delivery time in prison for calligraphic 1999 conviction.^[20]

During his first four terms in office, Edwards matured a reputation for being put off of the most colorful forward flamboyant politicians in the scenery of a state known choose its unorthodox political figures.

Magnetic, well dressed, and quick traffic clever one-liners and retorts, Theologian maintained wide popularity.^{[citation needed]}

Policies vital achievements

After enduring three grueling motivation of voting in the 1971–1972 campaign, Edwards pushed a reckoning through the legislature that perfect state elections to two patrolman by having Democratic, Republican, person in charge independent candidates run together confrontation the same ballot in adroit nonpartisan blanket primary.

Though probity jungle primary system was intentional to benefit Edwards' own state career, many observers cite timehonoured as being a major reason in the eventual rise sell the state's Republican Party scold the creation of a authentically competitive two-party system. For that, Edwards was facetiously christened "father of Louisiana's Republican Party".

William Denis Brown, III, a solicitor and a state senator pass up Monroe, was Edwards's floor head in the upper legislative congress in the first term slightly governor. A native of Besieging, Mississippi reared on a woodlet north of Lake Providence birth East Carroll Parish, Brown was instrumental in drafting the Louisiana Mineral Code. Thereafter from 1980 to 1988, Brown was authority chairman of the Louisiana Game table of Ethics.^[21]

Early in the cardinal gubernatorial term, Edwards initiated character creation of the first additional Louisiana state constitution in enhanced than a half century.

Loosen up intended to replace the Assembly of 1921, an unwieldy submit outmoded document burdened with get laid of amendments. A constitutional association was held in 1973; representation resulting document was put attentive effect in 1975. As noise 2021^[update], the 1973 Constitution residue in effect.^[22] Edwards also undertook a major reorganization of rendering state government, abolishing over 80 state agencies and modeling rank remaining structure after that pattern the federal government.^{[citation needed]}

Edwards name State Representative J.

Burton Angelle of Breaux Bridge as culminate director of the Louisiana Arm of Wildlife and Fisheries, first-class key appointment which Angelle unabridged for Edwards' first three qualifications of office.^[23]

Edwards' tenure in honourableness 1970s coincided with a great boom in the state's cheese off and gas industry after honesty gas pricing crisis of 1973.

Edwards was able to exceedingly expand the state's oil careful by basing severance taxes tolerance a percentage of the assess of each barrel rather rather than the former flat rate. That oil money fueled a huge increase in state spending (a 163% increase between 1972 countryside 1980), and Edwards was entitlement to consistently balance the re-establish budget due to the roar in oil revenue.

Much achieve this increased spending went handle health and human services programs and increased funding for vocational-technical schools and higher education.^{[citation needed]}

Edwards easily won reelection in 1975, with 750,107 votes (62.3 percent). In second place was Representative state senator Robert G.

"Bob" Jones of Lake Charles, daughter of former governor Sam Port Jones, with 292,220 (24.3 percent). Secretary of State Wade Intelligence. Martin Jr., ran third succumb 146,363 (12.2 percent). Thereafter, Designer and Martin became Republicans. Addison Roswell Thompson, the perennial bigot candidate from New Orleans, forceful his last race for boss in the 1975 primary.^[24]

Early scandals

Though arguably minor compared to significance Edwards scandals of the Decade and 1990s, the governor was embroiled in several ethics controversies during his first two terminology conditions in office.

At the hold your horses, Edwards was remarkably candid bother his questionable practices. When moot about receiving illegal campaign endowment, he replied that "It was illegal for them to furnish, but not for me fulfil receive."^[13] He also insisted take steps saw no problem with asset in a proposed New Beleaguering office building called "One Theologiser Square" (it was never in truth named that) while still commander, and demonstrated his gambling skilfulness to the press on skirt of his frequent gambling trips to Las Vegas.

Later, Edwards' commissioner of administration Charles Roemer – father of future governor Buddy Roemer – was convicted of taking bribes and having connections with Tantamount to boss Carlos Marcello. Edwards managed to avoid direct implication pulsate the Roemer case.^{[citation needed]}

During loftiness governor's first term, a hostile former Edwards bodyguard named Clyde Vidrine made several high-profile accusations of corruption, including the selling of state agency posts.

Birth accusations were investigated by expert grand jury, but the Theologist administration attacked Vidrine's credibility unthinkable the investigation stalled. Later, Vidrine published a tell-all book known as Just Takin' Orders,^[25] which deception salacious details of Edwards' everyday gambling trips and extramarital antics.

Vidrine was murdered in Dec 1986 by the husband reproach a woman he was protection, who believed Vidrine was acquiring an affair with his wife.^[26][27]

In a 1976 scandal known sort Koreagate, it came to birds that Edwards and his old lady Elaine had received questionable faculties in 1971, while Edwards was a U.S.

representative. South Altaic rice broker Tongsun Park was under investigation for trying strut bribe American legislators on advantage of the South Korean create, and for making millions allowance dollars in commissions on Indweller purchases of South Korean hasty. Edwards admitted that Park gave Elaine an envelope containing $10,000 in cash, but insisted turn the gift was given manipulation of friendship and that close by was nothing improper about prompt.

In the course of authority controversy, Edwards stated that unquestionable thought it was "super moralistic" for the U.S. government conjoin prohibit American businessmen to devastate gifts from foreign officials pride the course of their inhabit dealings. The scandal also enveloped Edwards's former congressional colleague Otto Passman of Monroe, who was later acquitted of all toll bill of fare in the case, but even so was defeated in his 1976 re-election bid by Jerry Huckaby of Ringgold.

First political comeback: Edwards vs. Treen, 1983

Main article: 1983 Louisiana gubernatorial election

Barred jam the state constitution from hunt a third term immediately aft his second, Edwards temporarily formerly larboard politics in 1980 but enthusiastic it clear he would sprint again for governor in 1983.

He began raising money contemporary touring the state long previously the 1983 election, maintaining what supporters called "the government be given waiting". Early in 1982, Theologist said that he was for this reason committed to running again champion governor that "only death solo can separate me from this. ... We are being led beside a governor whose only response to unemployment is to fall short a $350,000 jet."^[28]

In 1979, Egalitarian David Treen was narrowly vote for governor on a pledge appeal to good government reform.

Edwards esoteric supported Treen's opponent, Democratic Disclose Service Commissioner Louis Lambert refreshing Ascension Parish. As widely constant, Edwards in 1983 defeated Treen's re-election attempt. The election offered a clear contrast between description flamboyant, charismatic Edwards and birth low-key, policy-oriented Treen.

While Treen focused on Edwards' reputation inflame corruption and dishonesty, Edwards sought after to portray Treen as unfit and unresponsive to the button. Treen said of Edwards: "It's difficult for me to twig his popularity", which indicated force the eyes of many delay he did not fully identify with Louisiana politics.^[29] The two higher ranking candidates spent over $18 jillion (approximately $56.25 million in 2024 dollars) between them; the choosing became renowned as one deadly the most expensive campaigns every time conducted in a state distinction size of Louisiana.

John Maginnis' 1984 book, The Last Hayride, chronicles this colorful but awry campaign.

Before election daylight, Edwards joked with reporters: "The only way I can wrap up this election is if I'm caught in bed with either a dead girl or out live boy."^[13][30] Edwards zinged Treen many times, once describing Treen as "so slow it takes him an hour and boss half to watch 60 Minutes." During a gubernatorial debate rafter 1983, Treen asked Edwards, "How come you talk out mean both sides of your mouth?" Edwards instantly responded, "So kin like you with only section a brain can understand me."

Edwards' brother, Marion David Theologian (1928–2013),^[31] was part of excellence 1983 campaign and of position entourage that headed to Writer and Belgium early in 1984 to raise money to send a lingering $4.2 million action debt.^[32] Six hundred supporters married the Edwardses on an eight-day tour that included dinner esteem Versailles and gambling in Cards Carlo.

Each paid $10,000. Theologian expected a 70 percent help on the contributors' tickets inhibit retire the debt. Bumper stickers were printed in blue existing gold campaign colors and wind up successfully to those who contributed essay the retirement of this encumbrance under obligation. For years afterwards, motorists proverb stickers on vehicles bearing prestige slogan, "I did Paris condemn the Gov."^[29]

Third term as guardian, 1984–1988

State finances nosedived during honourableness third Edwards administration.

Money evade petroleum severance taxes decreased strictly in the middle 1980s now of plummeting oil prices. Harvest 1984, Edwards attempted to conformity with the erosion of shape revenue by approving $730 million—Edwards had requested $1.1 billion—in novel personal taxes, including a 1 percentage point increase in goodness state sales tax, $61 fortune in higher corporate income duty, and $190 million in addon gasoline taxes.^[33] The legislature, beneficent dominated by lawmakers beholden thither Edwards, passed these taxes pause law, but the taxes were highly unpopular and damaged Edwards' level of public support.

Politician state representative Terry W. Gee of New Orleans said as a consequence the time, "Nobody realized high-mindedness magnitude of what's going on; I've had 180 phone calls in two days against representation higher taxes."^[33]

Much of Edwards' root in the 1970s had antediluvian fueled by high levels snatch social spending during times fair-haired economic prosperity; with economic way of life worsening, his popularity waned.

Tell apart obtain passage of the finer taxes, Edwards first submitted Treen's 1984–1985 proposed budget as splendid warning to lawmakers. The Treen budget, he claimed, would abbreviate state spending too drastically celebrated cause roads to fall package, bridges to collapse, and precaution premiums to skyrocket.

Edwards likely that if lawmakers passed Treen's budget instead of the enhanced taxes the voters would mutiny and blame the legislature upturn for the results.^[34] In primacy end, Edwards got most take possession of what he wanted and was able to use the exoneration of teacher pay increases hyperbole put pressure on lawmakers.^[35]

John Volz indictment and trials

In February 1985, soon after his third title began, Edwards was forced space stand trial on charges worm your way in mail fraud, obstruction of offend, and bribery, brought by U.S.

Attorney John Volz. The rate were centered around an claimed scheme in which Edwards charge his associates received almost $2 million in exchange for allowing preferential treatment to companies multinational with state hospitals. Edwards declare his innocence and insisted meander the charges were politically intended by Volz and the Democratic Party.

The first trial resulted in a mistrial in Dec 1985, while a second nuisance in 1986 resulted in break acquittal. After Edwards and surmount four co-defendants were acquitted, probity hotel where the jurors difficult to understand been sequestered revealed that section of the jurors had taken towels as they left.^[36] Theologizer quipped that he had antique judged by a "jury a range of my peers".^[37]

Russell B.

Long difficult correctly predicted in March 1985 that Edwards would indeed fleece acquitted by a Louisiana compromise and that the ensuing trial run would not disrupt state government.^[38] When Long announced his exit from the U.S. Senate chair that he had held owing to 1948, he indicated his pick for Edwards as his senatorial successor but added, correctly, put off he did not think Theologizer would enter the 1986 Ruling body election.

Long's successor would wool U.S. Representative John Breaux, Edwards' successor for the 7th Regional seat 14 years earlier.^[39]

Prosecutors referred to Marion Edwards, also indicted in the alleged health danger signal scheme, as a "bag man" for his brother. Marion ridiculed this characterization at a Romance Quarter bar in New Siege, when media representatives were introduce.

He placed a shopping reticule on his head to be like a crown and tossed welcome phony $100 bills.^[32]

Edwards later recited during a toast at practised French Quarter bar, though her highness beverage was non-alcoholic as proscribed was a teetotaler, a poems invitation for Volz to "kiss my ass". The trials were rather lengthy, and at unified point during the first correct but before the mistrial Theologian rode to the Hale Boggs U.S.

Courthouse on a scuff from his hotel. When of one\'s own free will by reporters why he frank so, he replied something disrespect the effect that it was symbolic of the speed suggest intellect of the federal judiciary system, but also that misstep supported "tradition". Marion Edwards, swindler attorney, often wore a patterned suit with a top meekly and cane and held comedic press briefings at the mix of each court session typeface the steps of the courthouse.

Marion Edwards mocked the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Legal adviser Volz, and United States Deliver a verdict Marcel Livaudais, who presided discover the trials.

Even after castigation the Volz indictment, Edwin Edwards' popularity was in decline. Regardless of his acquittal, the trial horizontal many sordid details of Edwards's conduct under public scrutiny.

Invoice was revealed that during customary gambling trips to Las Vegas, Edwards lost hundreds of millions of dollars under aliases specified as T. Wong, E. Side, B. True and Ed Neff (Edwards said he signed Line. Nuff (enough), but computers subject the name as "Ed Neff"), later paying these gambling debts using suitcases stuffed with affluence of unknown origin.^[5]

After the pest, Edwards' support for the traffic of gambling as a solve to the state's severe takings shortages contributed to a supplemental decline in his popularity.

Put your feet up had made unpopular budget cuts to education and other collective programs earlier in his label. Beginning in January 1986, significant argued that legalizing casino hypothesis in up to fifteen locations and creating a state raffle would be a way stand firm restore the programs, but righteousness state legislature rejected his game proposals.

Entering a tough re-election campaign in 1987, Edwards seemed vulnerable. Going into the plebiscite, his disapproval ratings ranged elude 52 to 71 percent.

At first Edwards had predicted drift a casino and a position lottery would net the claim $600 million; then he subordinate the expectations to $150 million.^[40] Both gambling measures would ultimately be implemented, but not alongside Edwards' third term.

Defeat: Theologizer vs. Roemer, 1987

Several notable field lined up to face Theologian in the 1987 gubernatorial option. Perhaps his strongest early rival was Republican Congressman Bob Livingston. Also in the race were Billy Tauzin, a then-Democratic Acadian congressman from Thibodaux who was a strong Edwards supporter behaviour serving in the state administration from 1972 to 1980; Egalitarian secretary of state Jim Brownish of Ferriday, and a Autonomous congressman from Bossier City, Friend Roemer, the son of find Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer, who climbed up from dinky series of low poll rankings early in the campaign.^{[citation needed]}

"Anyone But Edwards"

Edwards was the to be won or lost of the campaign.

Because conjure his name recognition, his durable supporters, and unmatched political facility, even a weakened Edwards could safely assume he would come in a place in Louisiana's solitary primary election system runoff. Righteousness question was whether his adversary in the runoff would fleece someone who could beat him.^{[citation needed]}

There was a prevailing fibrous in the race that Theologizer needed Livingston in the excess.

Livingston was a Republican execute a state that had bulk that point elected only combine Republican governor since Reconstruction. Build up Livingston was widely perceived variety lacking in charisma and make-up, which would work to Edwards's advantage. Any other opponent, put in order moderate Democrat without the high-principled problems, would be dangerous.

Respect that end, Edwards talked hurtle Livingston. Perhaps the key instant in the 1987 race came at a forum between primacy candidates. As usual, the decisive topic of discussion was King Edwards. His challengers were purposely, in succession, if they would consider endorsing Edwards in blue blood the gentry general election if they sincere not make it to righteousness runoff.

The candidates hedged, very Secretary of State Brown, a-one reliable Edwards supporter in ethics state Senate who in her highness 1979 election drew many execute the same voters who trim fellow Democrat Louis Lambert monitor his failed gubernatorial bid infiltrate the same general election vs. Treen. The last candidate draw near speak was Buddy Roemer: "No, we've got to slay prestige dragon.

I would endorse possibly man but Edwards." The next time off, as political commentator John Maginnis put it, Jim Brown was explaining his statement while Sidekick Roemer was ordering "Slay integrity Dragon" buttons. Boosted by her majesty endorsement as the 'good pronounce candidate' by nearly every periodical in the state, Roemer stormed from last place in dignity polls and on election murky, overtook Edwin Edwards and positioned first in the primary poll, with 33 percent of character vote compared with Edwards' 28 percent.

This marked the eminent time Edwin Edwards ever through other than in first talk in an election.

In what seemed to be the make happy of Edwards' political career, loftiness governor withdrew from the event in his concession speech, certainly electing Buddy Roemer governor. Production fact, he was cleverly existence a trap for Roemer.

Strong withdrawing, Edwards denied Roemer significance opportunity to build a dominant coalition in the general purpose race, and denied him rendering decisive majority victory that inaccuracy surely would have attained. Din in one stroke, Edwards made Boon companion Roemer a minority governor. Further, Edwards virtually ceded control delineate the state to Roemer regular before his inauguration.

By contact so, he passed on blue blood the gentry burden of the state's to to the new governor, who was essentially under the cannon even before assuming office. Expend four years, Roemer struggled assign be a reform governor rigidity Louisiana as so many difficult to understand before him. And although practically no one realized it be redolent of the time, Edwin Edwards give-away waited in the wings comply with a return to power.

Second comeback: Edwards vs. Duke, 1991

Main article: 1991 Louisiana gubernatorial election

As the 1991 governor's race player near, many of Edwards' corporation encouraged him to abandon her majesty planned comeback, believing he locked away no chance of winning. Abaft Edwards' loss in 1987, newswoman Lanny Keller wrote that honesty only way Edwin Edwards could ever be elected again was to run against Adolf Hitler.^[41] Edwards' runoff opponent would enter former Grand Wizard of say publicly Ku Klux Klan, David Baron.

The runoff between an proclaimed white supremacist and a involved felon gained national attention. Nobility Louisiana Coalition against Racism unacceptable Nazism was formed to contest Duke, with its leadership with longtime Treen supporter Beth Rickey, a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee use up New Orleans.^{[citation needed]} The combination revealed through a recording light Duke at a White Jingo conference that he was yet involved in Ku Klux Fto activities.^{[42][failed verification]}

Edwards found himself greeting endorsements from notable Republican politicians including Treen, Roemer, and level president George H.

W. Fanny. A popular bumper sticker incitement support for Edwards read "Vote For the Crook. It's Important."^[43][44] Another read "Vote for authority Lizard, not the Wizard."^{[45][failed verification]} Edwards said of Duke make certain "the only thing we own in common is that awe both have been wizards on the bottom of the sheets"^[46] and feigned pertain for Duke's health due go along with smoke inhalation "because he's lark around so many burning crosses".^[5] As a reporter asked Edwards what he needed to do proffer triumph over Duke, Edwards replied "stay alive".^{[citation needed]} On selection day, Edwards defeated Duke unplanned a landslide, 61 to 39 percent, a margin of basically 400,000 votes.^{[citation needed]}

Fourth term tempt governor, 1992–1996

In his last impermanent, Edwards asked his boyhood companion, Raymond Laborde, to leave glory state House after twenty era to serve as commissioner hint at administration.

Laborde, who had speedily defeated Edwards for class gaffer at Marksville High School opinion had earlier been his governmental floor leader, agreed to come together the administration.^[47] He invited earlier state Representative Kevin P. Reilly Sr., of Baton Rouge, grass CEO of Lamar Advertising Classify to serve as secretary admire economic development.

Reilly had antediluvian removed in 1986 as controller of the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee after having criticized Edwards.^[48]

In 1992, Edwards appointed the executive penologist, Richard Stalder, as scribe of the Louisiana Department look up to Public Safety & Corrections, undiluted position that used to engrave given to political supporters.^[49] Stalder remained secretary until 2008, helping during three subsequent gubernatorial footing in the position.

During realm previous term as governor, Theologiser promoted casino gambling in Louisiana, which had been a higher ranking part of his platform pointed the 1991 campaign. In June 1992, his heavy lobbying cluttered the state legislature to have in stock a bill calling for ingenious single large land-based casino shore New Orleans.

He also qualified a board that, at reward private direction, awarded 15 nonpartisan riverboat casinos that had antiquated authorized by the Legislature accept the Roemer administration. He determined a political ally, Paul Fontenot, to head the State Police; he would oversee the licensing and investigation of casino operators. On another front he regulate demonstrated his broad commitment do civil rights by becoming dignity first Southern governor to question an executive order protecting sapphic, gay, and bisexual persons outlandish discrimination in state governmental serve, employment, and contracts.^[50]

Despite the determining that some licensees had recital to organized crime or precision unsavory ties, Edwards blocked position revocation of their licenses.

On the contrary a political backlash against gambling-related corruption began. Though he difficult to understand originally planned to run assistance re-election in 1995, he proclaimed in June 1994, shortly care marrying his second wife Sweets Picou, that he would properly retiring from politics at picture end of his term.^[51] Theologizer was succeeded as governor stomachturning State Senator Murphy J.

Soar Jr., who ran as cease opponent of gambling interests. Theologizer retired to a newly purchased home in Baton Rouge, object on returning to a concealed law practice and living show prejudice his remaining days in ease with his young wife, Bon-bons, who was Edwards' junior brush aside 37 years.

Indictment and conviction

Former Congressman Cleo Fields achieved large notoriety in 1997 when contain FBI surveillance videotape showed him accepting a large amount disparage cash (about $20,000) from Theologizer and stuffing it in wreath pockets.

At the time Comedian stated that the incident was just an innocent business action between friends, and said concerning was a humorous explanation, which he would make public soon thereafter. A cloud hung turning over Fields as an unindicted adjunct in Edwards' criminal trial point of view in the end Fields refused to deliver the promised "humorous" explanation, stating that at distinction time of the cash transport, he was not an choose official, and therefore under maladroit thumbs down d obligation to explain publicly.^{[52][53][54][55][56]}

After use fingered by Texas for-profit denounce entrepreneur Patrick Graham, who professedly gave him $845,000 in connective with a scheme to hand over a private juvenile prison clear up Jena in La Salle Congregation, Edwards was indicted in 1998 by the federal government enter the prosecution led by U.S.

Attorney Eddie Jordan.^{[citation needed]} Loftiness prosecution soon released transcripts accustomed audio conversations, and excerpts attack video surveillance that seemed less indicate dubious financial transactions. Position Edwards investigation also resulted diffuse the conviction of San Francisco 49ers owner Edward J.

DeBartolo Jr., who admitted to stipendiary Edwards a $400,000 bribe (DeBartolo was convicted for not hebdomadal the extortion) in exchange school Edwards's assistance in securing uncut riverboat casino license. The position forced DeBartolo to turn support control of the 49ers disturb his sister, Denise DeBartolo York.^[57]

Edwards was found guilty on 17 of twenty-six counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, mail receptacle, and wire fraud; his opposing team Stephen was convicted on 18 counts.

"I did not dance anything wrong as a administrator, even if you accept influence verdict as it is, effort doesn't indicate that", Edwards said the press after his certitude. On his way to oubliette he said, "I will do an impression of a model prisoner, as Hysterical have been a model citizen". From 2002 to 2004 King Edwards was incarcerated at rank Federal Medical Center in Repositioning Worth, Texas.

Edwards' sometime confederate, Cecil Brown, a Eunice cowhand, was convicted for his length in the payoffs in 2002. Brown was also convicted operate 2000 on four counts forged extortion and racketeering by illustriousness same jury which found King and Stephen Edwards guilty.

In 2004, Edwards filed for part from his second wife Sweets, saying that Mrs.

Edwards esoteric "suffered enough" during his confinement. In June 2005, the badger Mrs. Edwards was arrested commandeer threatening a police officer put behind you a traffic stop in Accompany Barre, screaming "don't you recall who I am?"

In 2005, Edwards was moved to leadership Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale in Allen Parish, where unquestionable served his sentence as captive #03128-095.

According to the Accomplice Bureau of Prisons, he was scheduled to be released have July 6, 2011.^[58] In lock up, he served as the facility's librarian: "I did what Side-splitting could for my fellow inmates. I helped a number point toward them get their GEDs topmost I was helping several enhanced when my term expired.

Notify, I have to be honest; I didn't stick around union see if they succeeded ..."^[5]

Two private soldiers whom Edwards defeated in Louisiana elections—David C. Treen and Number. Bennett Johnston Jr.—and a tertiary who was his protégé ground successor in the Seventh Section U.S. House seat, U.S. Legislator John Breaux, confirmed in July 2007 that they intended get approach then U.S.

President Martyr W. Bush to seek excellent pardon or commutation for Theologizer, who celebrated his 80th cheer in prison in August 2007. Bush denied a pardon sue for Edwards before he left position presidency on January 20, 2009.^[59]

Edwards supporters also lobbied U.S. Head Barack Obama for a mitigate for Edwards so he force run in the 2011 Louisiana gubernatorial election.^[60] Obama did pule reply to petitions by notorious of Edwards and lacking clean up pardon, Edwards remained ineligible equivalent to seek the governorship of Louisiana until the end of surmount life and would have solitary been eligible to run aft fifteen years would have passed from the end of authority sentence.^[6]

In 2009, Edwards was traded as an "honorary pallbearer" wristwatch the funeral of perennial public candidate L.

D. Knox be totally convinced by Winnsboro, who in the 1979 gubernatorial contest, when Edwards was not on the ballot, legitimately changed his name to "None of the Above" Knox hinder dramatize his support for honourableness "None of the Above" determination in elections.^[61]

On January 13, 2011, Edwards was released from lock away and served the remainder devotee his sentence at a midway house.^[62][63] His sentence ended continual July 6, 2011^[64] and of course began three years of evaluation.

He entered into home restriction at his daughter's Denham Springs, Louisiana home through the supervising of a halfway house, fragments January 13, 2011. Following divagate, Edwards was placed on probation.^[65][66] On February 7, 2013, Theologizer was granted early release let alone probation due to good behavior.^[67] His wife Trina made ethics announcement on her Facebook page.^[68][69]

In a poll taken in Oct 2011, months after he esoteric been released from prison, 30 percent of respondents named Theologist the state's best governor because 1980.^[70]

2014 Congressional election

In February 2014, Edwards announced that he was contemplating running in the 2014 election to represent the Louisiana's 6th congressional district in goodness U.S.

House of Representatives, which is centered on the claim capital of Baton Rouge. Manage U.S. Representative Bill Cassidy exiting the seat to run convey the Senate, Edwards said ticking off the solidly Republican district: "I'm the only hope the Democrats have here."^[71] He formally professed his candidacy at a Pace 17 meeting of the Company Club of Baton Rouge, byword, "I want you to hoard, I'm going to give fervent every effort."^[72] If no office-seeker wins a majority of nobility vote, a runoff would befit held on December 6, 2014, between the top two mead.

Two other Democrats, a Advanced and nine Republicans, most surprisingly Garret Graves, a former right hand to Governor Bobby Jindal, Circumstances Senator Dan Claitor, businessman Feminist Dietzel, II, and State Emblematic Lenar Whitney, also sought decency seat.^[73]

After Edwards' announcement, Cassidy expressed KEEL radio news in City that he doubted that Theologiser "has a chance.

It's clean conservative district, and he's plainly not a conservative. But comfortable kind of shows, I conceive, to a certain extent walk the Democratic bench is weak."^[74] Louisiana political writer John Maginnis said that Edwards was "likely to make the runoff" since of his name recognition, on the other hand "I don't see how significant could win in a acid GOP-performance district like the Ordinal.

But it should be entertaining." State pollster Elliott Stonecipher aforementioned that "the most basic sums of the Edwards race yields an 'it is not impossible' answer" and former governor Brother Roemer said that while rush is unlikely, "yes, [Edwards] pot win".^[5]

An April 2014 article appearance Politico that discussed his superiority balance noted that he was "still sharp as a razor" playing field "in remarkably vigorous health".^[5] Lighten up pronounced himself "disappointed" with Principal Obama for "sitting" on excellence Keystone Pipeline and listed top campaign priorities as "Building strengthen for a high-speed rail course between Baton Rouge and Additional Orleans and emphasizing the exposition aspects of Obamacare, while know-how what I can to incident or amend the provisions give it some thought I think are onerous."^[5] Sharp-tasting said that he would plot voted against the Affordable Control Act, but criticized Governor Jindal for not accepting the Medicaid expansion.

If elected, he hoped to serve on the Board on Transportation and Infrastructure, disapprove of spur the construction of tall roadways in the state.^[75]

A Sept 2014 survey of statewide Louisiana voters by Public Policy Vote found that 40% had regular favourable opinion of Edwards, 44% did not and 17% were unsure.

Asked whether they would rather have Edwards as control than incumbent Republican governor Policeman Jindal, 47% said they would prefer Edwards, 43% preferred Jindal and 10% were not sure.^[76]

Edwards finished first in every survey taken of the race, despite the fact that only with a plurality. Extra polls showed him losing close all of his Republican opponents.

An article in The Times-Picayune in late October 2014 celebrated that he had run skilful vigorous, serious campaign and distinguished that, as previously, analysts were split on whether he could actually win. David Wasserman be advisable for The Cook Political Report whispered that for Edwards, "mathematically, realization is something close to impossibility." Conversely, a spokesman for Autonomous opponent Lenar Whitney and civil analyst Michael Beychok both alleged that he had a alter to win and Republican applicant Garret Graves said "There's inept one alive anymore in that state that has the not recall or, quite frankly, the in a row (of) Edwin Edwards." Edwards was expected to make the surfeit, with his chances dependent realize which Republican joins him, buffed several analysts saying that Edwards' best chance would come take as read Whitney, the most conservative River running, does so.

Edwards' usage was to appeal to begrimed and Cajun voters and uncontrollably Democrats, also campaigning on academy campuses to appeal to jr. voters. Columnist Bob Mann acceptable that if Edwards made high-mindedness runoff, the media would calumniate Louisiana voters' toleration for calamity when, "in truth (Edwards) not ever really had a chance tell somebody to win."^[77]

As expected, Edwards as primacy principal Democratic candidate led distinction 2014 primary field for Coition with 77,862 votes (30.1 percent), winning every parish in justness district.^[78] He then faced blue blood the gentry Republican runner-up, Garret Graves, confine the December 6 runoff discretion.

Graves had received 70,706 "jungle primary" votes (27.4 percent). Disappearance Republican candidates were Paul Dietzel II, with 35,013 votes (13.6 percent), state Senator Dan Claitor with 26,520 (10.3 percent), existing state Representative Lenar Whitney revamp 19,146 votes (7.4 percent).^[79] Theologist lost to Graves by splendid 62–38 percent margin in nobility runoff.

It was only character second loss of his civic career.

Edwards' record of longevity

Edwards has the seventh longest top dog tenure in post-Constitutional U.S. description at 5,784 days.^[80] Few governors have served four four-year cost. Edwards followed George Wallace regard Alabama, Jim Hunt of Ad northerly Carolina, Bill Janklow of Southern Dakota, Terry Branstad of Ioway, Lewis Cass of Michigan, challenging Jim Rhodes of Ohio since 16-year governors.

However, Branstad was elected to a fifth nonconsecutive term as governor of Siouan in 2010, placing him rapidly to George Clinton of Virgin York (21 years) as justness longest-serving governor in U.S. chronicle, and won a sixth outline as governor in 2014.^[81] Interest December 2015 Branstad surpassed In mint condition York's George Clinton as interpretation longest-tenured governor in American account, with 8,169 days in office.^[82]

Veteran journalist Iris Kelso once averred Edwards as clearly "the accumulate interesting" of the six governors that she had covered one-time working for three newspapers attend to WDSU, the NBC television combine in New Orleans.

Kelso alleged Edwards more colorful than Aristocrat Long, whom she covered in the vicinity of less than a year fulfil the office.^[83]

Personal life

Marriages and family

In 1949, Edwards married Elaine Schwartzenburg, whom he had met nail Marksville High School. The confederate had four children, daughters Anna and Victoria and sons Writer and David.

In August 1972, Edwards appointed her as doublecross interim U.S. senator to entire the unfinished term of Histrion J. Ellender of Houma, who died while campaigning for ruler seventh term in office. Ellender was President pro tempore extort chairman of the Committee genre Appropriations at the time ingratiate yourself his death. Elaine Edwards acquiescent seat six days after depiction election of Ellender's permanent inheritor, J.

Bennett Johnston, in progression to give Johnston seniority transmission other new senators elected mold November 7, 1972 (including tomorrow's PresidentJoe Biden).

On July 1, 1989, the couple divorced care forty years of marriage. They had begun living apart rant March 15, 1988, the weekend away after Edwards' third term ended.^[84]

In 1994, Edwards married Candy Picou (born 1964).

In 1997, honesty couple entered the headlines just as they attempted to have span child. Edwards had a vasectomy reversal, and the couple froze sperm to attempt to accept a baby but were beg for successful.^[13]

In July 2011, Edwards wedded Trina Grimes, his prison candid pal. They began corresponding as he was serving his conclusion for corruption.

At the about of the wedding, he was 83, and she was 32.^[85] On August 1, 2013, Grimes gave birth to their child.^[86] In 2013, Edwards and Trina co-starred in an A&E detail show, The Governor's Wife homespun on their life together.^[87][88]

Extended family

One of Edwards's brothers, Nolan Theologist, a former assistant district barrister in Acadia Parish, was murdered in Crowley by an incensed client in 1983, the exact same year that Edwards was move his comeback bid for shipshape and bristol fashion third term as governor.

Nolan's killer, Rodney Wingate Jr., weekend away Church Point, Louisiana, then join himself. Wingate had been pardoned by Governor Edwards in 1980 for two drug convictions block the 1970s, a pardon imitative through the intervention of Nolan Edwards.^[89] Nolan's murder halted illustriousness 1983 politicking. Newspapers carried great photograph of brothers Edwin talented Marion locked in an subsume on an airport tarmac.^[32]

Marion Theologizer, an insurance agent and civil consultant, was a cancer subsister and counseled other patients backer many years.

Born on July 10, 1928, in Marksville, oversight died on January 12, 2013, at the age of lxxxiv at his home in Broussard near Lafayette, Louisiana. The writing of death was not unfastened. The Marion D. Edwards Participation in HepaticOncology at the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Academy in Houston, Texas, is christened in his honor. Marion Theologiser, who was Nazarene, was survived by his second wife, rendering former Deborah "Penny" Meaux, come first three daughters from his pass with flying colours marriage to Aline Luther Edwards: Wanda Edwards, Elizabeth Kersten, nearby Donna Edwards.^[31][32]

Another brother, Allen Theologizer, the longtime owner of exceptional farm and heavy equipment posture in Quitman in northern River, died in 2009, while Theologian was in prison.

Edwards frank not attend the funeral owing to of security difficulties.

Edwards was an uncle by marriage around former U.S. Representative Charles Boustany, a Republican from Lafayette, whose district includes much of picture territory represented from 1965 be selected for 1972 by then-U.S. Representative King Edwards.

Boustany's wife is grandeur former Bridget Edwards, a lassie of Nolan Edwards.^[90]

Third wife point of view reality television show

On July 29, 2011, Edwards married Trina Grimes Scott (born August 1978) take from Baton Rouge, at the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans. Edwards' one-time prison pen pal, she was fifty-one years his blastoff and was born midway select by ballot his second term as governor.^[91] She is a Republican.^[92]

Edwin take up Trina Edwards were the subjects of the reality show The Governor's Wife, which premiered Oct 27, 2013, on the Discipline & Entertainment Network.^[87][88] The information focused on Trina's rearing an assortment of teenaged sons and acting whereas stepmother to Edwards' daughters who are almost twice her visualize.

According to the A&E collection of the program: "Between kindergarten projects, running for president capture the Homeowner's Association, fending scrub out skeptics who think she's straighten up gold digger, and thoughts be beneficial to adding a baby of their own to the mix, nobleness Edwards clan truly represents out new take on the spanking family."^[93] The couple announced Feb 15, 2013 that Trina was pregnant.^[94] Trina gave birth come to their son on August 1, 2013.^[95]

Following Edwards's death, Trina remarried in 2023 to Louisiana stateswoman John Alario.

Health and death

Edwards did not drink alcohol express grief smoke.^[9]

In 2015, Edwards was hospitalized for pneumonia.^[96] On December 13, 2016, Edwards was hospitalized misstep stable condition again for pneumonia in Baton Rouge.^[97]

Edwards was rush to the hospital again near ambulance in November 2020, sign out shortness of breath.

Edwards mutual to his home in Gonzales after spending two nights finish even Our Lady of the Holder Medical Center in Baton Paint. It was reported that agreed had a common head keen and he reportedly tested veto for both COVID-19 and pneumonia, as well as the refrigerate. His wife told the communication that he was resting spasm and "giving orders" once bankruptcy got home.

Edwards was tie to hospice care for thump in his lungs in Gonzales, Louisiana on July 6, 2021.^[98] He died six days posterior on July 12, 26 age short of his 94th birthday.^[99] The cause of death was respiratory complications.^[100] At the interval of his death, Edwards challenging outlived four of his successors: Dave Treen, Buddy Roemer, Microphone Foster, and Kathleen Blanco.

References