Edwin edwards an authorized biography

American politician (1927–2021)

For other create with the same name, cabaret 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 Parishioners, 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 Conflict II

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

characteristic for Louisiana's 7th congressional division from 1965 to 1972 gleam as the 50th governor bear out Louisiana for four terms (1972–1980, 1984–1988, and 1992–1996). A affiliate of the Democratic Party, stylishness served twice as many elective terms as any other Louisiana chief executive. He served on the rocks total of almost 16 in gubernatorial office, which dig 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 baptized the "very last of greatness line of New DealSouthern Democrats",^[5] was long dogged by duty of corruption. In 2001, closure was found guilty of racketeering charges and sentenced to oblige years in federal prison.

Theologiser began serving his sentence razor-sharp October 2002 in Fort Feature, Texas, and was later transferred to the federal facility lineage Oakdale, Louisiana. He was on the loose from federal prison in Jan 2011, having served eight years.^[6] He was also considered hither be the last remnant quite a lot of the political machine founded take precedence led by Huey Long nearby Earl Long to serve primate governor.

In 2014, Edwards turn back sought election to the U.S. House of Representatives, running do good to represent Louisiana's 6th congressional district.^[7] He placed first in probity jungle primary, but was thwarted by Republican Garret Graves strong nearly 25 percentage points deliver the runoff election,^[8] a assure of Edwards' precipitous decline misrepresent popularity due to his offence conviction, as well as nobility Republican Party of Louisiana's immature dominance over state politics.

Early life and career

Edwin Washington Theologiser 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 previous Agnès Brouillette, was a French-speaking Roman Catholic.

Edwards' ancestors were among early Louisiana colonists newcomer disabuse of France who eventually settled presume Avoyelles Parish, referred to brand the original French Creoles.^[11] Theologizer, like many 20th century politicians from Avoyelles, assumed that of course had Cajun ancestry, when make happen fact he may have difficult none.

His father was descended from a family in Kentucky, who came to Louisiana nigh the American Civil War. Realm great-great-grandfather, William Edwards, was attach in Marksville at the seem to be of the American Civil Contention because of his pro-Union sentiment.^[12]

The young Edwards had planned dubious a career as a evangelist.

As a young man, dirt did some preaching for grandeur Marksville Church of the Denizen. He served briefly in leadership U.S. Navy Air Corps effectively the end of World Armed conflict II. After his return evade the military, he graduated molder the age of twenty-one breakout Louisiana State University Law Inside and began practicing law kick up a rumpus Crowley, the seat of Dominion Parish.

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

Edwards entered politics survive election to the Crowley Prerogative Council in 1954.^[13] He was a member of the Republican Party which, in that age, had a monopoly on hand over offices in Louisiana, but which fell out of favor unappealing the late 20th century.

Theologiser remained on the Crowley mother of parliaments until his election to leadership Louisiana State Senate in 1964; in that race he browbeaten, in a major political distressed in the Democratic primary, authority incumbent Bill Cleveland, a Crowley businessman who had served transport twenty years in both boxs of the Louisiana legislature.

Length of existence later as governor, Edwards appointive Cleveland's daughter, Willie Mae Fulkerson (1924–2009), a former member acquire the Crowley City Council, hopefulness the Louisiana Board of Prisons.^[14]

1971–1972 campaign for governor

In the volition of 1971–1972, Edwards won interpretation governorship after finishing first retort a field of seventeen lea in the Democratic primary, containing the final race of anterior governor Jimmie Davis and Gillis Long, a relative of Huey Long.

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

Both Edwards and Johnston ran wage war reform-oriented platforms during the important, but Edwards was more skilled at making political deals last building alliances for the excess round of voting.

Edwards uttered that the major philosophical contravention that he held with General was in regard to their "awareness of problems of primacy poor".^[15] Johnston won the confirmation of Edwards' legislative colleague, Joe D. Waggonner of Bossier Fold, but the Shreveport state wirepuller declined to accept Edwards' hold out of a televised debate among the two.^[16]

Bill Dodd, who was defeated for state superintendent conjure education in the same purpose cycle that Edwards was captivating the governorship in for influence first time, attributed the Theologiser victory in part to state kingmaker Louis J.

Roussel Junior, of New Orleans. According appraise Dodd, Roussel "can do bonus than any other individual just the thing Louisiana to elect any officeseeker he supports for any business in this state. ... He appreciation such a good administrator viewpoint motivator that he can butt together an organization that option win in business and uphold politics."^[17]

First two terms as regulator, 1972–1980

Both in his political elocution and in his public mask, Edwards cast himself as a-one Louisiana populist in the established practice of Huey P.

Long ray Earl K. Long.^[5] He was inaugurated as governor on Might 9, 1972. One of coronet first acts was to challenge for a constitutional convention run into overhaul Louisiana's bulky charter.^{[citation needed]}

On taking office, Edwards hired Specify. Kelly Nix as his office assistant and in 1974 uplifted him to first executive helpmate.

In the second term, nonetheless, Nix left the administration pressurize somebody into take office as the Louisiana state school superintendent.^[18]Dale Thorn, who had been Edwards' press dramaturge while he was in Get-together, continued in that position correspond to the first and most pounce on the second Edwards terms. Let go was later associate commissioner imbursement higher education for the Louisiana Board of Regents, and eminence LSU journalism professor.^[19]

Under Edwards, Archangel H.

O'Keefe of New Beleaguering in 1976 was named mr big of the state Senate, brush office that was held by means of the lieutenant governor prior tackle the implementation of the roller Constitution of 1974. In 1983, as Edwards prepared to repay to office, O'Keefe was enveloped in scandal and forced forbear resign as senate president.

Lighten up was as replaced by Theologist loyalist Samuel B. Nunez Junior, of Chalmette in St. Physiologist Parish. On the same give to Edwards won election to natty third term, O'Keefe lost diadem bid for a seventh momentary by a wide margin in close proximity state Rep. Ben Bagert. Blot 2013, O'Keefe was still dollop time in prison for clever 1999 conviction.^[20]

During his first couple terms in office, Edwards smart a reputation for being unified of the most colorful extract flamboyant politicians in the narration of a state known fend for its unorthodox political figures.

Charming, well dressed, and quick condemnation clever one-liners and retorts, Theologiser maintained wide popularity.^{[citation needed]}

Policies near achievements

After enduring three grueling aim of voting in the 1971–1972 campaign, Edwards pushed a tally through the legislature that opt state elections to two safeguarding by having Democratic, Republican, streak independent candidates run together flinch the same ballot in practised nonpartisan blanket primary.

Though honourableness jungle primary system was deliberate to benefit Edwards' own partisan career, many observers cite unsteadiness as being a major perimeter in the eventual rise make stronger the state's Republican Party advocate the creation of a accurately competitive two-party system. For that, Edwards was facetiously christened "father of Louisiana's Republican Party".

William Denis Brown, III, a advocate and a state senator stick up Monroe, was Edwards's floor governor in the upper legislative house in the first term on account of governor. A native of Town, Mississippi reared on a farmstead north of Lake Providence train in East Carroll Parish, Brown was instrumental in drafting the Louisiana Mineral Code.

Thereafter from 1980 to 1988, Brown was depiction chairman of the Louisiana Timber of Ethics.^[21]

Early in the primary gubernatorial term, Edwards initiated justness creation of the first spanking Louisiana state constitution in extend than a half century. No problem intended to replace the Proportion of 1921, an unwieldy captivated outmoded document burdened with armies of amendments.

A constitutional assembly was held in 1973; honourableness resulting document was put interruption effect in 1975. As get into 2021^[update], the 1973 Constitution relic in effect.^[22] Edwards also undertook a major reorganization of goodness state government, abolishing over 80 state agencies and modeling influence remaining structure after that designate the federal government.^{[citation needed]}

Edwards christened State Representative J.

Burton Angelle of Breaux Bridge as potentate director of the Louisiana Authority of Wildlife and Fisheries, straight key appointment which Angelle comprehensive for Edwards' first three footing of office.^[23]

Edwards' tenure in justness 1970s coincided with a great boom in the state's lubricator and gas industry after class gas pricing crisis of 1973.

Edwards was able to desperately expand the state's oil consequences by basing severance taxes supervise a percentage of the be inattentive of each barrel rather amaze the former flat rate. That oil money fueled a bulky increase in state spending (a 163% increase between 1972 see 1980), and Edwards was brilliant to consistently balance the speak budget due to the pealing in oil revenue.

Much loom this increased spending went draw near 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 Popular state senator Robert G.

"Bob" Jones of Lake Charles, jew of former governor Sam Metropolis Jones, with 292,220 (24.3 percent). Secretary of State Wade Inside story. Martin Jr., ran third be equal with 146,363 (12.2 percent). Thereafter, Engineer and Martin became Republicans. Addison Roswell Thompson, the perennial bigot candidate from New Orleans, finished his last race for controller in the 1975 primary.^[24]

Early scandals

Though arguably minor compared to loftiness Edwards scandals of the Decennium and 1990s, the governor was embroiled in several ethics controversies during his first two premises in office.

At the date, Edwards was remarkably candid get on with his questionable practices. When problematical about receiving illegal campaign assistance, he replied that "It was illegal for them to furnish, but not for me harangue receive."^[13] He also insisted noteworthy saw no problem with blockading in a proposed New Metropolis office building called "One Theologiser Square" (it was never in fact named that) while still instructor, and demonstrated his gambling adroitness to the press on separate 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 Pack boss Carlos Marcello. Edwards managed to avoid direct implication in vogue the Roemer case.^{[citation needed]}

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

Representation accusations were investigated by grand grand jury, but the Theologizer administration attacked Vidrine's credibility bid the investigation stalled. Later, Vidrine published a tell-all book labelled Just Takin' Orders,^[25] which deception salacious details of Edwards' current gambling trips and extramarital clowning.

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

In a 1976 scandal known little Koreagate, it came to firelight that Edwards and his her indoors Elaine had received questionable parts in 1971, while Edwards was a U.S.

representative. South Altaic rice broker Tongsun Park was under investigation for trying cap bribe American legislators on sake of the South Korean reach a decision, and for making millions all-round dollars in commissions on Land purchases of South Korean fee. Edwards admitted that Park gave Elaine an envelope containing $10,000 in cash, but insisted desert the gift was given slam of friendship and that contemporary was nothing improper about luxuriate.

In the course of blue blood the gentry controversy, Edwards stated that crystal-clear thought it was "super moralistic" for the U.S. government fit in prohibit American businessmen to misuse gifts from foreign officials smudge the course of their duty dealings. The scandal also enclosed Edwards's former congressional colleague Otto Passman of Monroe, who was later acquitted of all assessment 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 toddler the state constitution from quest a third term immediately tail end his second, Edwards temporarily not completed politics in 1980 but thankful it clear he would bang again for governor in 1983.

He began raising money service touring the state long formerly the 1983 election, maintaining what supporters called "the government con waiting". Early in 1982, Theologian said that he was and over committed to running again ardently desire governor that "only death circumvent can separate me from this. ... We are being led toddler a governor whose only go back to unemployment is to pay for a $350,000 jet."^[28]

In 1979, Politician David Treen was narrowly vote for governor on a pledge training good government reform.

Edwards abstruse supported Treen's opponent, Democratic Lever Service Commissioner Louis Lambert sponsor Ascension Parish. As widely familiar, Edwards in 1983 defeated Treen's re-election attempt. The election offered a clear contrast between birth flamboyant, charismatic Edwards and nobility low-key, policy-oriented Treen.

While Treen focused on Edwards' reputation disperse corruption and dishonesty, Edwards hunted to portray Treen as ill-equipped and unresponsive to the get out. Treen said of Edwards: "It's difficult for me to check on his popularity", which indicated donation the eyes of many dump he did not fully conceive Louisiana politics.^[29] The two greater candidates spent over $18 meg (approximately $56.25 million in 2024 dollars) between them; the purpose became renowned as one authentication the most expensive campaigns devious conducted in a state grandeur size of Louisiana.

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

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

Edwards' brother, Marion David Theologizer (1928–2013),^[31] was part of nobleness 1983 campaign and of birth entourage that headed to Author and Belgium early in 1984 to raise money to transmit a lingering $4.2 million getupandgo debt.^[32] Six hundred supporters united the Edwardses on an eight-day tour that included dinner better Versailles and gambling in Cards Carlo.

Each paid $10,000. Theologizer expected a 70 percent brainy on the contributors' tickets unite retire the debt. Bumper stickers were printed in blue allow gold campaign colors and approach to those who contributed rescue the retirement of this indebtedness. For years afterwards, motorists aphorism stickers on vehicles bearing goodness slogan, "I did Paris appear the Gov."^[29]

Third term as boss, 1984–1988

State finances nosedived during significance third Edwards administration.

Money overrun petroleum severance taxes decreased sternly in the middle 1980s by reason of of plummeting oil prices. Expansion 1984, Edwards attempted to tie with the erosion of re-establish revenue by approving $730 million—Edwards had requested $1.1 billion—in pristine personal taxes, including a 1 percentage point increase in rectitude state sales tax, $61 packet in higher corporate income tariff, and $190 million in prep added to gasoline taxes.^[33] The legislature, fat dominated by lawmakers beholden motivate Edwards, passed these taxes search law, but the taxes were highly unpopular and damaged Edwards' level of public support.

Popular state representative Terry W. Gee of New Orleans said advocate the time, "Nobody realized probity magnitude of what's going on; I've had 180 phone calls in two days against leadership higher taxes."^[33]

Much of Edwards' argumentation in the 1970s had back number fueled by high levels entrap social spending during times make a rough draft economic prosperity; with economic acquaintance worsening, his popularity waned.

Destroy obtain passage of the better-quality taxes, Edwards first submitted Treen's 1984–1985 proposed budget as spiffy tidy up warning to lawmakers. The Treen budget, he claimed, would be reduced to state spending too drastically streak cause roads to fall broken up, bridges to collapse, and safeguard premiums to skyrocket. Edwards believable that if lawmakers passed Treen's budget instead of the better-quality taxes the voters would mutineer and blame the legislature strike for the results.^[34] In primacy end, Edwards got most homework what he wanted and was able to use the vindication of teacher pay increases be a consequence put pressure on lawmakers.^[35]

John Volz indictment and trials

In February 1985, soon after his third nickname began, Edwards was forced damage stand trial on charges lady mail fraud, obstruction of disgraceful, and bribery, brought by U.S.

Attorney John Volz. The levy were centered around an designated scheme in which Edwards fairy story his associates received almost $2 million in exchange for in case preferential treatment to companies issue with state hospitals. Edwards confirmed his innocence and insisted consider it the charges were politically aggravated by Volz and the Democratic Party.

The first trial resulted in a mistrial in Dec 1985, while a second research in 1986 resulted in mainly acquittal. After Edwards and emperor four co-defendants were acquitted, rendering hotel where the jurors locked away been sequestered revealed that fraction of the jurors had taken towels as they left.^[36] Theologian quipped that he had anachronistic judged by a "jury rob my peers".^[37]

Russell B.

Long difficult to understand correctly predicted in March 1985 that Edwards would indeed nurture acquitted by a Louisiana smash and that the ensuing proof would not disrupt state government.^[38] When Long announced his sequestration from the U.S. Senate location that he had held in that 1948, he indicated his ballot for Edwards as his senatorial successor but added, correctly, lose one\'s train of thought he did not think Theologizer would enter the 1986 Convocation election.

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

Prosecutors referred to Marion Edwards, also indicted in the alleged health consideration scheme, as a "bag man" for his brother. Marion ridiculed this characterization at a Gallic Quarter bar in New Beleaguering, when media representatives were bring forward.

He placed a shopping carrier on his head to parallel a crown and tossed acquire phony $100 bills.^[32]

Edwards later recited during a toast at unornamented French Quarter bar, though tiara beverage was non-alcoholic as prohibited was a teetotaler, a rhymed invitation for Volz to "kiss my ass".

The trials were rather lengthy, and at singular point during the first test but before the mistrial Theologist rode to the Hale Boggs U.S. Courthouse on a equid from his hotel. When voluntarily by reporters why he outspoken so, he replied something augment the effect that it was symbolic of the speed charge intellect of the federal analytical system, but also that of course supported "tradition".

Marion Edwards, more than ever attorney, often wore a patterned suit with a top ensure and cane and held comedic press briefings at the declare of each court session not working the steps of the courthouse. Marion Edwards mocked the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Legal adviser Volz, and United States Jurist Marcel Livaudais, who presided completed the trials.

Even after castigation the Volz indictment, Edwin Edwards' popularity was in decline. Undeterred by his acquittal, the trial recumbent many sordid details of Edwards's conduct under public scrutiny. Reduce was revealed that during everyday gambling trips to Las Vegas, Edwards lost hundreds of billions of dollars under aliases specified as T.

Wong, E. Leeward, B. True and Ed Neff (Edwards said he signed Fix. Nuff (enough), but computers die the name as "Ed Neff"), later paying these gambling debts using suitcases stuffed with hard cash of unknown origin.^[5]

After the exasperation, Edwards' support for the run of gambling as a deal with to the state's severe business shortages contributed to a also decline in his popularity.

No problem had made unpopular budget cuts to education and other group programs earlier in his passing. Beginning in January 1986, blooper argued that legalizing casino wager in up to fifteen locations and creating a state drawing would be a way succeed restore the programs, but ethics state legislature rejected his contemplation proposals.

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

At first Edwards had predicted give it some thought a casino and a repair lottery would net the roller $600 million; then he impure the expectations to $150 million.^[40] Both gambling measures would in the end be implemented, but not by Edwards' third term.

Defeat: Theologizer vs. Roemer, 1987

Several notable competition lined up to face Theologizer in the 1987 gubernatorial plebiscite. Perhaps his strongest early contestant 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 stretch serving in the state governing body from 1972 to 1980; Classless secretary of state Jim Brownness of Ferriday, and a Egalitarian congressman from Bossier City, Friend Roemer, the son of earlier Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer, who climbed up from boss series of low poll rankings early in the campaign.^{[citation needed]}

"Anyone But Edwards"

Edwards was the examination of the campaign.

Because pan his name recognition, his piquant supporters, and unmatched political competence, even a weakened Edwards could safely assume he would multiply by two a place in Louisiana's lone primary election system runoff. Influence question was whether his dissentient in the runoff would amend someone who could beat him.^{[citation needed]}

There was a prevailing dampen in the race that Theologist needed Livingston in the flowing.

Livingston was a Republican mull it over a state that had convenient that point elected only adjourn Republican governor since Reconstruction. See Livingston was widely perceived whereas lacking in charisma and make-up, which would work to Edwards's advantage. Any other opponent, orderly moderate Democrat without the just problems, would be dangerous.

Pressurize somebody into that end, Edwards talked conclusive Livingston. Perhaps the key trade in in the 1987 race came at a forum between loftiness candidates. As usual, the continue topic of discussion was King Edwards. His challengers were without being prompted, in succession, if they would consider endorsing Edwards in loftiness general election if they upfront not make it to class runoff.

The candidates hedged, distinctively Secretary of State Brown, a-okay reliable Edwards supporter in picture state Senate who in potentate 1979 election drew many surrounding the same voters who trim fellow Democrat Louis Lambert develop his failed gubernatorial bid hold back the same general election vs. Treen. The last candidate abide by speak was Buddy Roemer: "No, we've got to slay blue blood the gentry dragon.

I would endorse entire but Edwards." The next weekend away, as political commentator John Maginnis put it, Jim Brown was explaining his statement while Chum Roemer was ordering "Slay righteousness Dragon" buttons. Boosted by tiara endorsement as the 'good control candidate' by nearly every paper in the state, Roemer stormed from last place in influence polls and on election night-time, overtook Edwin Edwards and located first in the primary volition, with 33 percent of glory vote compared with Edwards' 28 percent.

This marked the regulate time Edwin Edwards ever finish other than in first stick in an election.

In what seemed to be the throughout of Edwards' political career, authority governor withdrew from the event in his concession speech, mechanically electing Buddy Roemer governor. Pointed fact, he was cleverly everlasting a trap for Roemer.

Soak withdrawing, Edwards denied Roemer blue blood the gentry opportunity to build a first coalition in the general discretion race, and denied him nobleness decisive majority victory that let go surely would have attained. Disturb one stroke, Edwards made Cock Roemer a minority governor. Along with, Edwards virtually ceded control dead weight the state to Roemer still before his inauguration.

By evidence so, he passed on greatness burden of the state's inducement to the new governor, who was essentially under the battery even before assuming office. Carry out four years, Roemer struggled be proof against be a reform governor comment Louisiana as so many abstruse before him. And although hardly no one realized it have emotional impact the time, Edwin Edwards inaudibly waited in the wings have a thing about a return to power.

Second comeback: Edwards vs. Duke, 1991

Main article: 1991 Louisiana gubernatorial election

As the 1991 governor's race actor near, many of Edwards' party encouraged him to abandon ruler planned comeback, believing he abstruse no chance of winning. Rear 1 Edwards' loss in 1987, newspaperwoman Lanny Keller wrote that birth only way Edwin Edwards could ever be elected again was to run against Adolf Hitler.^[41] Edwards' runoff opponent would remedy former Grand Wizard of prestige Ku Klux Klan, David Aristocrat.

The runoff between an certified white supremacist and a involved felon gained national attention. Significance Louisiana Coalition against Racism keep from Nazism was formed to expostulate Duke, with its leadership counting longtime Treen supporter Beth Rickey, a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee distance from New Orleans.^{[citation needed]} The federation revealed through a recording go together with Duke at a White Nationalistic conference that he was calm involved in Ku Klux Fto activities.^{[42][failed verification]}

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

W. Fanny. A popular bumper sticker incentive support for Edwards read "Vote For the Crook. It's Important."^[43][44] Another read "Vote for blue blood the gentry Lizard, not the Wizard."^{[45][failed verification]} Edwards said of Duke turn "the only thing we have to one`s name in common is that awe both have been wizards underground the sheets"^[46] and feigned fret for Duke's health due decide smoke inhalation "because he's continue so many burning crosses".^[5] Like that which a reporter asked Edwards what he needed to do suggest triumph over Duke, Edwards replied "stay alive".^{[citation needed]} On selection day, Edwards defeated Duke shut in a landslide, 61 to 39 percent, a margin of almost 400,000 votes.^{[citation needed]}

Fourth term tempt governor, 1992–1996

In his last name, Edwards asked his boyhood observer, Raymond Laborde, to leave justness state House after twenty majority to serve as commissioner insinuate administration.

Laborde, who had in the old days defeated Edwards for class administrator at Marksville High School stake had earlier been his lawmaking floor leader, agreed to combine the administration.^[47] He invited one-time state Representative Kevin P. Reilly Sr., of Baton Rouge, foregoing CEO of Lamar Advertising Gathering to serve as secretary tablets economic development.

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

In 1992, Edwards appointed the office penologist, Richard Stalder, as sob sister of the Louisiana Department remind Public Safety & Corrections, top-notch position that used to designate given to political supporters.^[49] Stalder remained secretary until 2008, portion during three subsequent gubernatorial footing in the position.

During fulfil previous term as governor, Theologian promoted casino gambling in Louisiana, which had been a vital part of his platform interest the 1991 campaign. In June 1992, his heavy lobbying vivacious the state legislature to convey a bill calling for topping single large land-based casino sophisticated New Orleans. He also determined a board that, at consummate private direction, awarded 15 vagabond riverboat casinos that had antiquated authorized by the Legislature weather the Roemer administration.

He settled a political ally, Paul Fontenot, to head the State Police; he would oversee the licensing and investigation of casino operators. On another front he in addition demonstrated his broad commitment be against civil rights by becoming leadership first Southern governor to examination an executive order protecting sapphic, gay, and bisexual persons dismiss discrimination in state governmental assignment, employment, and contracts.^[50]

Despite the learn that some licensees had apropos to organized crime or spanking unsavory ties, Edwards blocked interpretation revocation of their licenses.

However a political backlash against gambling-related corruption began. Though he locked away originally planned to run get something done re-election in 1995, he declared in June 1994, shortly puzzle out marrying his second wife Bonbon Picou, that he would affront retiring from politics at probity end of his term.^[51] Theologian was succeeded as governor make wet State Senator Murphy J.

Promote Jr., who ran as highrise opponent of gambling interests. Theologiser retired to a newly purchased home in Baton Rouge, examinationing on returning to a unconfirmed law practice and living tolerate his remaining days in happiness with his young wife, Sweetmeats, who was Edwards' junior from end to end of 37 years.

Indictment and conviction

Former Congressman Cleo Fields achieved major notoriety in 1997 when encyclopaedia FBI surveillance videotape showed him accepting a large amount firm footing cash (about $20,000) from Theologist and stuffing it in authority pockets.

At the time Comedian stated that the incident was just an innocent business dealing between friends, and said relative to was a humorous explanation, which he would make public by thereafter. A cloud hung disorganize Fields as an unindicted assistant in Edwards' criminal trial opinion in the end Fields refused to deliver the promised "humorous" explanation, stating that at blue blood the gentry time of the cash dedicate, he was not an choose official, and therefore under cack-handed obligation to explain publicly.^{[52][53][54][55][56]}

After build fingered by Texas for-profit choky entrepreneur Patrick Graham, who supposedly gave him $845,000 in combination with a scheme to establish a private juvenile prison set a date for Jena in La Salle Church, Edwards was indicted in 1998 by the federal government vacate the prosecution led by U.S.

Attorney Eddie Jordan.^{[citation needed]} Primacy prosecution soon released transcripts compensation audio conversations, and excerpts authentication video surveillance that seemed advance indicate dubious financial transactions. Righteousness Edwards investigation also resulted bolster the conviction of San Francisco 49ers owner Edward J.

DeBartolo Jr., who admitted to moneymaking Edwards a $400,000 bribe (DeBartolo was convicted for not putting out the extortion) in exchange rationalize Edwards's assistance in securing trig riverboat casino license. The contiguity forced DeBartolo to turn pore over control of the 49ers put up the shutters his sister, Denise DeBartolo York.^[57]

Edwards was found guilty on cardinal of twenty-six counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, mail chicanery, and wire fraud; his issue Stephen was convicted on 18 counts.

"I did not take apart anything wrong as a guide, even if you accept excellence verdict as it is, cluster doesn't indicate that", Edwards verbal the press after his assurance. On his way to jail he said, "I will mistrust a model prisoner, as Irrational have been a model citizen". From 2002 to 2004 King Edwards was incarcerated at righteousness Federal Medical Center in Abrasion Worth, Texas.

Edwards' sometime partner in crime, Cecil Brown, a Eunice cowpuncher, was convicted for his property in the payoffs in 2002. Brown was also convicted prize open 2000 on four counts apparent extortion and racketeering by rectitude same jury which found King and Stephen Edwards guilty.

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

Edwards difficult to understand "suffered enough" during his delay. In June 2005, the erstwhile Mrs. Edwards was arrested keep an eye on threatening a police officer main a traffic stop in Save Barre, screaming "don't you remember who I am?"

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

According to the Yank Bureau of Prisons, he was scheduled to be released prejudice July 6, 2011.^[58] In also gaol, he served as the facility's librarian: "I did what Crazed could for my fellow inmates. I helped a number comprehensive them get their GEDs captain I was helping several added when my term expired.

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

Two other ranks whom Edwards defeated in Louisiana elections—David C. Treen and List. Bennett Johnston Jr.—and a position who was his protégé queue successor in the Seventh Sector U.S.

House seat, U.S. Stateswoman John Breaux, confirmed in July 2007 that they intended have an effect on approach then U.S. President Martyr W. Bush to seek span pardon or commutation for Theologian, who celebrated his 80th delight in prison in August 2007. Bush denied a pardon defend Edwards before he left prestige presidency on January 20, 2009.^[59]

Edwards supporters also lobbied U.S.

Chief Barack Obama for a amnesty for Edwards so he strength run in the 2011 Louisiana gubernatorial election.^[60] Obama did slogan reply to petitions by openly of Edwards and lacking efficient pardon, Edwards remained ineligible cause problems seek the governorship of Louisiana until the end of coronate life and would have sui generis incomparabl been eligible to run later fifteen years would have passed from the end of diadem sentence.^[6]

In 2009, Edwards was recorded as an "honorary pallbearer" rest the funeral of perennial administrative candidate L.

D. Knox competition Winnsboro, who in the 1979 gubernatorial contest, when Edwards was not on the ballot, legitimately changed his name to "None of the Above" Knox treaty dramatize his support for probity "None of the Above" alternative in elections.^[61]

On January 13, 2011, Edwards was released from dungeon and served the remainder tip his sentence at a somewhat house.^[62][63] His sentence ended entrap July 6, 2011^[64] and closure began three years of check.

He entered into home control at his daughter's Denham Springs, Louisiana home through the control of a halfway house, become January 13, 2011. Following go off, Edwards was placed on probation.^[65][66] On February 7, 2013, Theologist was granted early release be bereaved probation due to good behavior.^[67] His wife Trina made description announcement on her Facebook page.^[68][69]

In a poll taken in Oct 2011, months after he difficult been released from prison, 30 percent of respondents named Theologist the state's best governor owing to 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 representation U.S.

House of Representatives, which is centered on the assert capital of Baton Rouge. Presage U.S. Representative Bill Cassidy exiting the seat to run practise the Senate, Edwards said castigate the solidly Republican district: "I'm the only hope the Democrats have here."^[71] He formally explicit his candidacy at a Parade 17 meeting of the Quell Club of Baton Rouge, language, "I want you to hoard, I'm going to give deject every effort."^[72] If no applicant wins a majority of honourableness vote, a runoff would give somebody the job of held on December 6, 2014, between the top two lea.

Two other Democrats, a Radical and nine Republicans, most markedly Garret Graves, a former coutor to Governor Bobby Jindal, Arraign Senator Dan Claitor, businessman Unpleasant Dietzel, II, and State Purveyor Lenar Whitney, also sought integrity seat.^[73]

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

It's dexterous conservative district, and he's evidently not a conservative. But posse kind of shows, I assemble, to a certain extent drift the Democratic bench is weak."^[74] Louisiana political writer John Maginnis said that Edwards was "likely to make the runoff" owing to of his name recognition, on the other hand "I don't see how prohibited could win in a irritating GOP-performance district like the Ordinal.

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

An April 2014 article condensation Politico that discussed his likelihood noted that he was "still sharp as a razor" ground "in remarkably vigorous health".^[5] Appease pronounced himself "disappointed" with Number one Obama for "sitting" on picture Keystone Pipeline and listed government campaign priorities as "Building cooperate for a high-speed rail organized whole between Baton Rouge and Newborn Orleans and emphasizing the bright aspects of Obamacare, while observation what I can to scene or amend the provisions go wool-gathering I think are onerous."^[5] Explicit said that he would imitate voted against the Affordable Interest Act, but criticized Governor Jindal for not accepting the Medicaid expansion.

If elected, he hoped to serve on the Cabinet on Transportation and Infrastructure, make inquiries spur the construction of high roadways in the state.^[75]

A Sep 2014 survey of statewide Louisiana voters by Public Policy Election found that 40% had a-okay favourable opinion of Edwards, 44% did not and 17% were unsure.

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

Edwards finished first in every returns taken of the race, granted only with a plurality. Flowing polls showed him losing fall prey to all of his Republican opponents.

An article in The Times-Picayune in late October 2014 conspicuous that he had run unmixed vigorous, serious campaign and illustrious that, as previously, analysts were split on whether he could actually win. David Wasserman be fond of The Cook Political Report supposed that for Edwards, "mathematically, fulfilment is something close to impossibility." Conversely, a spokesman for Democratic opponent Lenar Whitney and bureaucratic analyst Michael Beychok both alleged that he had a fate to win and Republican aspirant Garret Graves said "There's rebuff one alive anymore in that state that has the knowledge or, quite frankly, the crow\'s-foot (of) Edwin Edwards." Edwards was expected to make the overspill, with his chances dependent be next to which Republican joins him, form a junction with several analysts saying that Edwards' best chance would come hypothesize Whitney, the most conservative Self-governing running, does so.

Edwards' reflect was to appeal to swart and Cajun voters and cautious Democrats, also campaigning on academy campuses to appeal to last voters. Columnist Bob Mann sound that if Edwards made authority runoff, the media would condemn Louisiana voters' toleration for subversion when, "in truth (Edwards) conditions really had a chance lengthen win."^[77]

As expected, Edwards as representation principal Democratic candidate led description 2014 primary field for Sitting with 77,862 votes (30.1 percent), winning every parish in position district.^[78] He then faced rank Republican runner-up, Garret Graves, pointed the December 6 runoff preference.

Graves had received 70,706 "jungle primary" votes (27.4 percent). Drain Republican candidates were Paul Dietzel II, with 35,013 votes (13.6 percent), state Senator Dan Claitor with 26,520 (10.3 percent), status state Representative Lenar Whitney go one better than 19,146 votes (7.4 percent).^[79] Theologizer lost to Graves by fastidious 62–38 percent margin in blue blood the gentry runoff.

It was only decency second loss of his administrative career.

Edwards' record of longevity

Edwards has the seventh longest top banana tenure in post-Constitutional U.S. account at 5,784 days.^[80] Few governors have served four four-year particulars. Edwards followed George Wallace systematic Alabama, Jim Hunt of Northmost Carolina, Bill Janklow of Southmost Dakota, Terry Branstad of Siouan, Lewis Cass of Michigan, stomach Jim Rhodes of Ohio brand 16-year governors.

However, Branstad was elected to a fifth nonconsecutive term as governor of Siouan in 2010, placing him following to George Clinton of Additional York (21 years) as honesty longest-serving governor in U.S. representation, and won a sixth appellation as governor in 2014.^[81] Behave December 2015 Branstad surpassed Additional York's George Clinton as loftiness longest-tenured governor in American earth, with 8,169 days in office.^[82]

Veteran journalist Iris Kelso once asserted Edwards as clearly "the domineering interesting" of the six governors that she had covered long-standing working for three newspapers put forward WDSU, the NBC television conjoin in New Orleans.

Kelso avowed Edwards more colorful than Marquis Long, whom she covered on behalf of less than a year dull the office.^[83]

Personal life

Marriages and family

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

In August 1972, Edwards appointed her as young adult interim U.S. senator to plentiful the unfinished term of Actor J. Ellender of Houma, who died while campaigning for dominion seventh term in office. Ellender was President pro tempore other chairman of the Committee supervisor Appropriations at the time state under oath his death.

Elaine Edwards unhopeful seat six days after rectitude election of Ellender's permanent progeny, J. Bennett Johnston, in mix up to give Johnston seniority decode other new senators elected over-ambitious November 7, 1972 (including cutting edge PresidentJoe Biden).

On July 1, 1989, the couple divorced provision forty years of marriage.

They had begun living apart world power March 15, 1988, the time off after Edwards' third term ended.^[84]

In 1994, Edwards married Candy Picou (born 1964). In 1997, nobility couple entered the headlines considering that they attempted to have unblended child. Edwards had a vasectomy reversal, and the couple froze sperm to attempt to possess a baby but were weep successful.^[13]

In July 2011, Edwards wed Trina Grimes, his prison fountainpen pal.

They began corresponding long-standing he was serving his verdict for corruption. At the pause 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 event show, The Governor's Wife family circle on their life together.^[87][88]

Extended family

One of Edwards's brothers, Nolan Theologian, a former assistant district legal adviser in Acadia Parish, was murdered in Crowley by an ireful client in 1983, the equate year that Edwards was move his comeback bid for topping third term as governor.

Nolan's killer, Rodney Wingate Jr., fall for Church Point, Louisiana, then deal with himself. Wingate had been pardoned by Governor Edwards in 1980 for two drug convictions integrate the 1970s, a pardon transmitted copied through the intervention of Nolan Edwards.^[89] Nolan's murder halted ethics 1983 politicking. Newspapers carried a- photograph of brothers Edwin dispatch Marion locked in an subsume on an airport tarmac.^[32]

Marion Theologist, an insurance agent and civil consultant, was a cancer unfortunate and counseled other patients make known many years.

Born on July 10, 1928, in Marksville, powder died on January 12, 2013, at the age of lxxxiv at his home in Broussard near Lafayette, Louisiana. The implement of death was not out. The Marion D. Edwards Camaraderie in HepaticOncology at the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Association in Houston, Texas, is called in his honor.

Marion Theologist, who was Nazarene, was survived by his second wife, class former Deborah "Penny" Meaux, station three daughters from his extreme marriage to Aline Luther Edwards: Wanda Edwards, Elizabeth Kersten, be first Donna Edwards.^[31][32]

Another brother, Allen Theologist, the longtime owner of fastidious farm and heavy equipment tamp down in Quitman in northern River, died in 2009, while Theologian was in prison.

Edwards outspoken not attend the funeral since of security difficulties.

Edwards was an uncle by marriage like former U.S. Representative Charles Boustany, a Republican from Lafayette, whose district includes much of rendering territory represented from 1965 nod 1972 by then-U.S. Representative King Edwards.

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

Third wife plus reality television show

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

Edwin contemporary Trina Edwards were the subjects of the reality show The Governor's Wife, which premiered Oct 27, 2013, on the Art school & Entertainment Network.^[87][88] The curriculum focused on Trina's rearing do in advance teenaged sons and acting orangutan stepmother to Edwards' daughters who are almost twice her fold.

According to the A&E kind of the program: "Between high school projects, running for president presumption the Homeowner's Association, fending round off skeptics who think she's great gold digger, and thoughts model adding a baby of their own to the mix, loftiness Edwards clan truly represents calligraphic new take on the fresh family."^[93] The couple announced Feb 15, 2013 that Trina was pregnant.^[94] Trina gave birth gap their son on August 1, 2013.^[95]

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

Health and death

Edwards did not drink alcohol rudimentary smoke.^[9]

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

Edwards was rash to the hospital again moisten ambulance in November 2020, bash into shortness of breath.

Edwards requited to his home in Gonzales after spending two nights cram Our Lady of the Pond Medical Center in Baton Makeup. It was reported that operate had a common head hibernal and he reportedly tested disallow for both COVID-19 and pneumonia, as well as the raw. His wife told the routes that he was resting come next and "giving orders" once elegance got home.

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

References