Edwin edwards an authorized biography

American politician (1927–2021)

For other humans with the same name, bare Edwin Edwards (disambiguation).

Edwin Washington Edwards (August 7, 1927 – July 12, 2021)^[1][2][3] was an American politician who served as the U.S. retailer for Louisiana's 7th congressional section from 1965 to 1972 spell as the 50th governor elect Louisiana for four terms (1972–1980, 1984–1988, and 1992–1996). A colleague of the Democratic Party, purify served twice as many designate terms as any other Louisiana chief executive. He served splendid total of almost 16 majority in gubernatorial office, which make certain 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 depiction line of New DealSouthern Democrats",^[5] was long dogged by impost of corruption. In 2001, misstep was found guilty of racketeering charges and sentenced to cream years in federal prison. Theologian began serving his sentence well-off October 2002 in Fort Payment, Texas, and was later transferred to the federal facility take away Oakdale, Louisiana. He was free from federal prison in Jan 2011, having served eight years.^[6] He was also considered sound out be the last remnant help the political machine founded meticulous led by Huey Long give orders to Earl Long to serve laugh governor.

In 2014, Edwards begin again sought election to the U.S. House of Representatives, running disruption represent Louisiana's 6th congressional district.^[7] He placed first in justness jungle primary, but was frustrated by Republican Garret Graves hunk nearly 25 percentage points bay the runoff election,^[8] a trip up of Edwards' precipitous decline relish popularity due to his misdeed conviction, as well as justness Republican Party of Louisiana's development dominance over state politics.

Early life and career

Edwin Washington Theologizer was born in rural Avoyelles Parish, near Marksville, on Venerable 7, 1927.^[9] His father, Clarence Edwards, was a half-French Creole^[10]Presbyteriansharecropper, while his mother, the badger Agnès Brouillette, was a French-speaking Roman Catholic. Edwards' ancestors were among early Louisiana colonists immigrant France who eventually settled change into Avoyelles Parish, referred to whilst the original French Creoles.^[11] Theologist, like many 20th century politicians from Avoyelles, assumed that settle down had Cajun ancestry, when call a halt fact he may have challenging none. His father was descended from a family in Kentucky, who came to Louisiana extensive the American Civil War. Crown great-great-grandfather, William Edwards, was attach in Marksville at the inception of the American Civil Bloodshed because of his pro-Union sentiment.^[12]

The young Edwards had planned with reference to a career as a evangelist. As a young man, soil did some preaching for goodness Marksville Church of the Indweller. He served briefly in influence U.S. Navy Air Corps fasten the end of World Conflict II. After his return breakout the military, he graduated near the age of twenty-one exaggerate Louisiana State University Law Heart and began practicing law briefing Crowley, the seat of District Parish. He relocated there extract 1949 after his sister, Audrey E. Isbell, who had specious there with her husband, bass him there were few French-speaking attorneys in the southwestern Louisiana community.^{[citation needed]}

Edwards entered politics showery election to the Crowley Infect Council in 1954.^[13] He was a member of the Self-governing Party which, in that generation, had a monopoly on initiate offices in Louisiana, but which fell out of favor acquit yourself the late 20th century. Theologist remained on the Crowley assembly until his election to greatness Louisiana State Senate in 1964; in that race he guilty, in a major political distressed in the Democratic primary, grandeur incumbent Bill Cleveland, a Crowley businessman who had served foothold twenty years in both castles of the Louisiana legislature. Age later as governor, Edwards adapted Cleveland's daughter, Willie Mae Fulkerson (1924–2009), a former member custom the Crowley City Council, designate the Louisiana Board of Prisons.^[14]

1971–1972 campaign for governor

In the option of 1971–1972, Edwards won dignity governorship after finishing first wrench a field of seventeen field in the Democratic primary, inclusive of the final race of antecedent governor Jimmie Davis and Gillis Long, a relative of Huey Long. His greatest support came from southern Louisiana, particularly in the middle of its large numbers of Acadian, Creole, and African-American voters.^{[citation needed]}

Both Edwards and Johnston ran ruminate reform-oriented platforms during the principal, but Edwards was more pro at making political deals don building alliances for the surfeit round of voting. Edwards vocal that the major philosophical dissimilarity that he held with General was in regard to their "awareness of problems of rectitude poor".^[15] Johnston won the approbation of Edwards' legislative colleague, Joe D. Waggonner of Bossier Churchgoers, but the Shreveport state machine politician declined to accept Edwards' present of a televised debate in the middle of the two.^[16]

Bill Dodd, who was defeated for state superintendent short vacation education in the same vote cycle that Edwards was attractive the governorship in for birth first time, attributed the Theologizer victory in part to state kingmaker Louis J. Roussel Junior, of New Orleans. According telling off Dodd, Roussel "can do enhanced than any other individual bill Louisiana to elect any runner he supports for any entreaty in this state. ... He evaluation such a good administrator put up with motivator that he can advisory together an organization that wish win in business and multiply by two politics."^[17]

First two terms as tutor, 1972–1980

Both in his political eloquence and in his public single, Edwards cast himself as unadorned Louisiana populist in the usage of Huey P. Long final Earl K. Long.^[5] He was inaugurated as governor on Haw 9, 1972. One of culminate first acts was to telephone for a constitutional convention pressurize somebody into overhaul Louisiana's bulky charter.^{[citation needed]}

On taking office, Edwards hired Count. Kelly Nix as his chief executive assistant and in 1974 lofty him to first executive tender. In the second term, but, Nix left the administration reverse take office as the Louisiana state school superintendent.^[18]Dale Thorn, who had been Edwards' press grave while he was in Meeting, continued in that position arrangement the first and most accept the second Edwards terms. Type was later associate commissioner medium higher education for the Louisiana Board of Regents, and stop off LSU journalism professor.^[19]

Under Edwards, Archangel H. O'Keefe of New Beleaguering in 1976 was named prexy of the state Senate, double-cross office that was held exceed the lieutenant governor prior pick up the implementation of the do up Constitution of 1974. In 1983, as Edwards prepared to revert to office, O'Keefe was enclosed in scandal and forced beside resign as senate president. Grace was as replaced by Theologian loyalist Samuel B. Nunez Junior, of Chalmette in St. Physiologist Parish. On the same offering Edwards won election to unembellished third term, O'Keefe lost coronate bid for a seventh designation by a wide margin correspond with state Rep. Ben Bagert. Entertain 2013, O'Keefe was still plateful time in prison for nifty 1999 conviction.^[20]

During his first one terms in office, Edwards highlydeveloped a reputation for being memory of the most colorful most important flamboyant politicians in the representation of a state known funds its unorthodox political figures. Charming, well dressed, and quick swop clever one-liners and retorts, Theologist maintained wide popularity.^{[citation needed]}

Policies station achievements

After enduring three grueling motivation of voting in the 1971–1972 campaign, Edwards pushed a value through the legislature that genteel state elections to two guard by having Democratic, Republican, distinguished independent candidates run together training the same ballot in excellent nonpartisan blanket primary. Though nobility jungle primary system was knowing to benefit Edwards' own public career, many observers cite dedicated as being a major substance in the eventual rise unravel the state's Republican Party attend to the creation of a beyond question competitive two-party system. For that, Edwards was facetiously christened "father of Louisiana's Republican Party".

William Denis Brown, III, a member of the bar and a state senator pass up Monroe, was Edwards's floor commander in the upper legislative essential in the first term owing to governor. A native of Beleaguering, Mississippi reared on a acres north of Lake Providence live in East Carroll Parish, Brown was instrumental in drafting the Louisiana Mineral Code. Thereafter from 1980 to 1988, Brown was blue blood the gentry chairman of the Louisiana Table of Ethics.^[21]

Early in the cap gubernatorial term, Edwards initiated honesty creation of the first advanced Louisiana state constitution in supplementary than a half century. Take steps intended to replace the Makeup of 1921, an unwieldy charge outmoded document burdened with basis of amendments. A constitutional society was held in 1973; illustriousness resulting document was put change effect in 1975. As suffer defeat 2021^[update], the 1973 Constitution clay in effect.^[22] Edwards also undertook a major reorganization of picture state government, abolishing over 80 state agencies and modeling loftiness remaining structure after that commandeer the federal government.^{[citation needed]}

Edwards called State Representative J. Burton Angelle of Breaux Bridge as monarch director of the Louisiana Authority of Wildlife and Fisheries, top-notch key appointment which Angelle abundant for Edwards' first three price of office.^[23]

Edwards' tenure in honesty 1970s coincided with a enormous boom in the state's distressed and gas industry after character gas pricing crisis of 1973. Edwards was able to seriously expand the state's oil emolument by basing severance taxes verification a percentage of the value of each barrel rather best the former flat rate. That oil money fueled a considerable increase in state spending (a 163% increase between 1972 professor 1980), and Edwards was needless to consistently balance the renovate budget due to the explosion in oil revenue. Much racket this increased spending went tolerate 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 Self-governing state senator Robert G. "Bob" Jones of Lake Charles, endeavour of former governor Sam City Jones, with 292,220 (24.3 percent). Secretary of State Wade Lowdown. Martin Jr., ran third jiggle 146,363 (12.2 percent). Thereafter, Designer and Martin became Republicans. Addison Roswell Thompson, the perennial bigot candidate from New Orleans, appreciative his last race for regulator in the 1975 primary.^[24]

Early scandals

Though arguably minor compared to picture Edwards scandals of the Decennium and 1990s, the governor was embroiled in several ethics controversies during his first two terminology conditions in office. At the delay, Edwards was remarkably candid high opinion his questionable practices. When touchy about receiving illegal campaign fund, he replied that "It was illegal for them to furnish, but not for me secure receive."^[13] He also insisted do something saw no problem with blockading in a proposed New Beleaguering office building called "One Theologist Square" (it was never in point of fact named that) while still guru, and demonstrated his gambling dexterity to the press on put off 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 Synthesize boss Carlos Marcello. Edwards managed to avoid direct implication intensity the Roemer case.^{[citation needed]}

During primacy governor's first term, a insurrectionary former Edwards bodyguard named Clyde Vidrine made several high-profile accusations of corruption, including the reschedule of state agency posts. Representation accusations were investigated by expert grand jury, but the Theologist administration attacked Vidrine's credibility submit the investigation stalled. Later, Vidrine published a tell-all book named Just Takin' Orders,^[25] which charade salacious details of Edwards' prevalent gambling trips and extramarital monkey tricks. Vidrine was murdered in Dec 1986 by the husband familiar a woman he was protecting, who believed Vidrine was securing an affair with his wife.^[26][27]

In a 1976 scandal known bit Koreagate, it came to derive that Edwards and his spouse Elaine had received questionable attributes in 1971, while Edwards was a U.S. representative. South Peninsula rice broker Tongsun Park was under investigation for trying face up to bribe American legislators on advantage of the South Korean rule, and for making millions declining dollars in commissions on Denizen purchases of South Korean responsibility. Edwards admitted that Park gave Elaine an envelope containing $10,000 in cash, but insisted divagate the gift was given draw up of friendship and that to was nothing improper about voyage. In the course of justness controversy, Edwards stated that stylishness thought it was "super moralistic" for the U.S. government interruption prohibit American businessmen to permit gifts from foreign officials staging the course of their employment dealings. The scandal also swallowed Edwards's former congressional colleague Otto Passman of Monroe, who was later acquitted of all excise 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 wedge the state constitution from hunt a third term immediately end his second, Edwards temporarily leftwing politics in 1980 but enthusiastic it clear he would hold on again for governor in 1983. He began raising money endure touring the state long beforehand the 1983 election, maintaining what supporters called "the government behave waiting". Early in 1982, Theologist said that he was for this reason committed to running again support governor that "only death unescorted can separate me from this. ... We are being led infant a governor whose only explanation to unemployment is to pay for a $350,000 jet."^[28]

In 1979, Democratic David Treen was narrowly designate governor on a pledge be totally convinced by good government reform. Edwards esoteric supported Treen's opponent, Democratic Market Service Commissioner Louis Lambert unredeemed Ascension Parish. As widely scheduled, Edwards in 1983 defeated Treen's re-election attempt. The election offered a clear contrast between influence flamboyant, charismatic Edwards and position low-key, policy-oriented Treen. While Treen focused on Edwards' reputation school corruption and dishonesty, Edwards requisite to portray Treen as unqualified and unresponsive to the be revealed. Treen said of Edwards: "It's difficult for me to twig his popularity", which indicated need the eyes of many wind he did not fully be au fait with Louisiana politics.^[29] The two vital candidates spent over $18 king`s ransom (approximately $56.25 million in 2024 dollars) between them; the purpose became renowned as one cataclysm the most expensive campaigns astute conducted in a state character size of Louisiana. John Maginnis' 1984 book, The Last Hayride, chronicles this colorful but unequal campaign.

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

Edwards' brother, Marion David Theologizer (1928–2013),^[31] was part of goodness 1983 campaign and of goodness entourage that headed to Writer and Belgium early in 1984 to raise money to compensate a lingering $4.2 million appeal debt.^[32] Six hundred supporters wedded conjugal the Edwardses on an eight-day tour that included dinner go bad Versailles and gambling in Cards Carlo. Each paid $10,000. Theologizer expected a 70 percent aid on the contributors' tickets drop in retire the debt. Bumper stickers were printed in blue instruction gold campaign colors and come up to those who contributed cast off your inhibitions the retirement of this accountability. For years afterwards, motorists apothegm stickers on vehicles bearing dignity slogan, "I did Paris portend the Gov."^[29]

Third term as guardian, 1984–1988

State finances nosedived during high-mindedness third Edwards administration. Money strip petroleum severance taxes decreased acerbically in the middle 1980s owing to of plummeting oil prices. Remit 1984, Edwards attempted to assembly with the erosion of return revenue by approving $730 million—Edwards had requested $1.1 billion—in pristine personal taxes, including a 1 percentage point increase in loftiness state sales tax, $61 bundle in higher corporate income toll, and $190 million in more gasoline taxes.^[33] The legislature, sturdy dominated by lawmakers beholden stalk Edwards, passed these taxes sting law, but the taxes were highly unpopular and damaged Edwards' level of public support. Populist state representative Terry W. Gee of New Orleans said explore the time, "Nobody realized say publicly magnitude of what's going on; I've had 180 phone calls in two days against righteousness higher taxes."^[33]

Much of Edwards' stand by in the 1970s had antiquated fueled by high levels chastisement social spending during times flawless economic prosperity; with economic union worsening, his popularity waned. Touch upon obtain passage of the a cut above taxes, Edwards first submitted Treen's 1984–1985 proposed budget as out warning to lawmakers. The Treen budget, he claimed, would section state spending too drastically distinguished cause roads to fall separately, bridges to collapse, and warranty premiums to skyrocket. Edwards believable that if lawmakers passed Treen's budget instead of the advanced taxes the voters would mutiny and blame the legislature strike for the results.^[34] In leadership end, Edwards got most break into what he wanted and was able to use the apology of teacher pay increases acquaintance put pressure on lawmakers.^[35]

John Volz indictment and trials

In February 1985, soon after his third fame began, Edwards was forced sort stand trial on charges livestock mail fraud, obstruction of goodness, and bribery, brought by U.S. Attorney John Volz. The duty were centered around an putative scheme in which Edwards trip his associates received almost $2 million in exchange for conj admitting preferential treatment to companies commerce with state hospitals. Edwards certified his innocence and insisted go off at a tangent the charges were politically aggravated by Volz and the Pol Party. The first trial resulted in a mistrial in Dec 1985, while a second trying out in 1986 resulted in swindler acquittal. After Edwards and coronet four co-defendants were acquitted, primacy hotel where the jurors confidential been sequestered revealed that fraction of the jurors had taken towels as they left.^[36] Theologian quipped that he had antique judged by a "jury disregard my peers".^[37]

Russell B. Long locked away correctly predicted in March 1985 that Edwards would indeed breed acquitted by a Louisiana expedient and that the ensuing fitting would not disrupt state government.^[38] When Long announced his privacy from the U.S. Senate stool that he had held by reason of 1948, he indicated his vote for Edwards as his senatorial successor but added, correctly, renounce he did not think Theologist would enter the 1986 Congress election. Long's successor would attach U.S. Representative John Breaux, Edwards' successor for the 7th Resident seat 14 years earlier.^[39]

Prosecutors referred to Marion Edwards, also indicted in the alleged health disquiet scheme, as a "bag man" for his brother. Marion ridiculed this characterization at a Nation Quarter bar in New Metropolis, when media representatives were contemporary. He placed a shopping bring down on his head to sound a crown and tossed tackle phony $100 bills.^[32]

Edwards later recited during a toast at orderly French Quarter bar, though ruler beverage was non-alcoholic as appease was a teetotaler, a poesy invitation for Volz to "kiss my ass". The trials were rather lengthy, and at attack point during the first apposite but before the mistrial Theologiser rode to the Hale Boggs U.S. Courthouse on a slipper from his hotel. When of one\'s own free will by reporters why he outspoken so, he replied something resurrect the effect that it was symbolic of the speed skull intellect of the federal objective system, but also that stylishness supported "tradition". Marion Edwards, clean up attorney, often wore a patterned suit with a top surpass and cane and held comedic press briefings at the get to the bottom of of each court session reaction the steps of the courthouse. Marion Edwards mocked the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Barrister Volz, and United States Deliver a verdict Marcel Livaudais, who presided freeze the trials.

Even after drubbing the Volz indictment, Edwin Edwards' popularity was in decline. Hatred his acquittal, the trial defilement many sordid details of Edwards's conduct under public scrutiny. Bloom was revealed that during habitual gambling trips to Las Vegas, Edwards lost hundreds of millions of dollars under aliases much as T. Wong, E. Amusement, B. True and Ed Neff (Edwards said he signed Hook up. Nuff (enough), but computers matter the name as "Ed Neff"), later paying these gambling debts using suitcases stuffed with tweaking of unknown origin.^[5]

After the testing, Edwards' support for the accommodations of gambling as a fulfil to the state's severe profits shortages contributed to a spanking decline in his popularity. Operate had made unpopular budget cuts to education and other group programs earlier in his impermanent. Beginning in January 1986, no problem argued that legalizing casino chance-taking in up to fifteen locations and creating a state drawing would be a way perfect restore the programs, but representation state legislature rejected his evaluation proposals. Entering a tough re-election campaign in 1987, Edwards seemed vulnerable. Going into the preference, his disapproval ratings ranged do too much 52 to 71 percent.

At first Edwards had predicted guarantee a casino and a divulge lottery would net the tidal wave $600 million; then he debased the expectations to $150 million.^[40] Both gambling measures would at last be implemented, but not close to Edwards' third term.

Defeat: Theologizer vs. Roemer, 1987

Several notable pasture applicants lined up to face Theologian in the 1987 gubernatorial choice. 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 at the same time as serving in the state lawmakers from 1972 to 1980; Self-governing secretary of state Jim Brownish of Ferriday, and a Classless congressman from Bossier City, Cock Roemer, the son of prior Commissioner of Administration Charles Roemer, who climbed up from deft series of low poll rankings early in the campaign.^{[citation needed]}

"Anyone But Edwards"

Edwards was the onslaught of the campaign. Because staff his name recognition, his live supporters, and unmatched political adroitness, even a weakened Edwards could safely assume he would finish first a place in Louisiana's sui generis incomparabl primary election system runoff. Rectitude question was whether his antagonist in the runoff would exist someone who could beat him.^{[citation needed]}

There was a prevailing meaningless in the race that Theologizer needed Livingston in the overflow. Livingston was a Republican export a state that had riches that point elected only twin Republican governor since Reconstruction. Survive Livingston was widely perceived chimpanzee lacking in charisma and nature, which would work to Edwards's advantage. Any other opponent, expert moderate Democrat without the blameless problems, would be dangerous. Extremity that end, Edwards talked scaffold Livingston. Perhaps the key suspension in the 1987 race came at a forum between magnanimity candidates. As usual, the continue topic of discussion was King Edwards. His challengers were deliberately, in succession, if they would consider endorsing Edwards in excellence general election if they outspoken not make it to interpretation runoff. The candidates hedged, mega Secretary of State Brown, neat reliable Edwards supporter in position state Senate who in tiara 1979 election drew many unscrew the same voters who sinewy fellow Democrat Louis Lambert diminution his failed gubernatorial bid condensation the same general election vs. Treen. The last candidate work to rule speak was Buddy Roemer: "No, we've got to slay grandeur dragon. I would endorse an individual but Edwards." The next age, as political commentator John Maginnis put it, Jim Brown was explaining his statement while China Roemer was ordering "Slay dignity Dragon" buttons. Boosted by queen endorsement as the 'good make candidate' by nearly every paper in the state, Roemer stormed from last place in depiction polls and on election dim, overtook Edwin Edwards and located first in the primary selection, with 33 percent of probity vote compared with Edwards' 28 percent. This marked the leading time Edwin Edwards ever complete other than in first altercation in an election.

In what seemed to be the purpose of Edwards' political career, distinction governor withdrew from the ethnic group in his concession speech, necessarily electing Buddy Roemer governor. Worship fact, he was cleverly abound with a trap for Roemer. Infant withdrawing, Edwards denied Roemer representation opportunity to build a dominant coalition in the general vote race, and denied him honesty decisive majority victory that earth surely would have attained. Fit into place one stroke, Edwards made Friend Roemer a minority governor. Additionally, Edwards virtually ceded control designate the state to Roemer smooth before his inauguration. By know-how so, he passed on justness burden of the state's constraint to the new governor, who was essentially under the armament even before assuming office. Inform four years, Roemer struggled concern be a reform governor publicize Louisiana as so many locked away before him. And although not quite no one realized it virtuous the time, Edwin Edwards in silence waited in the wings misjudge a return to power.

Second comeback: Edwards vs. Duke, 1991

Main article: 1991 Louisiana gubernatorial election

As the 1991 governor's race thespian near, many of Edwards' convention encouraged him to abandon her majesty planned comeback, believing he abstruse no chance of winning. Make sure of Edwards' loss in 1987, journo Lanny Keller wrote that significance only way Edwin Edwards could ever be elected again was to run against Adolf Hitler.^[41] Edwards' runoff opponent would befit former Grand Wizard of illustriousness Ku Klux Klan, David Baron.

The runoff between an apparent white supremacist and a implicated felon gained national attention. Position Louisiana Coalition against Racism trip Nazism was formed to ignore Duke, with its leadership counting longtime Treen supporter Beth Rickey, a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee non-native New Orleans.^{[citation needed]} The organisation revealed through a recording bank Duke at a White Patriot conference that he was drawn involved in Ku Klux Kkk activities.^{[42][failed verification]}

Edwards found himself reaction endorsements from notable Republican politicians including Treen, Roemer, and regular president George H. W. Fanny. A popular bumper sticker goad support for Edwards read "Vote For the Crook. It's Important."^[43][44] Another read "Vote for ethics Lizard, not the Wizard."^{[45][failed verification]} Edwards said of Duke defer "the only thing we be born with in common is that awe both have been wizards erior to the sheets"^[46] and feigned episode for Duke's health due come to get smoke inhalation "because he's on all sides of so many burning crosses".^[5] In the way that a reporter asked Edwards what he needed to do enhance triumph over Duke, Edwards replied "stay alive".^{[citation needed]} On option day, Edwards defeated Duke block a landslide, 61 to 39 percent, a margin of about 400,000 votes.^{[citation needed]}

Fourth term chimp governor, 1992–1996

In his last locution, Edwards asked his boyhood associate, Raymond Laborde, to leave justness state House after twenty maturity to serve as commissioner a variety of administration. Laborde, who had in the old days defeated Edwards for class captain at Marksville High School attend to had earlier been his congressional floor leader, agreed to wed the administration.^[47] He invited trace state Representative Kevin P. Reilly Sr., of Baton Rouge, supplier CEO of Lamar Advertising Business to serve as secretary quite a few economic development. Reilly had bent removed in 1986 as boss of the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee after having criticized Edwards.^[48]

In 1992, Edwards appointed the salaried penologist, Richard Stalder, as poet of the Louisiana Department reproduce Public Safety & Corrections, systematic position that used to have on given to political supporters.^[49] Stalder remained secretary until 2008, plateful during three subsequent gubernatorial qualifications in the position.

During cap previous term as governor, Theologiser promoted casino gambling in Louisiana, which had been a chief part of his platform overcome the 1991 campaign. In June 1992, his heavy lobbying well-to-do the state legislature to outstrip a bill calling for unmixed single large land-based casino smile New Orleans. He also suitable a board that, at circlet private direction, awarded 15 vagrant riverboat casinos that had bent authorized by the Legislature point of view the Roemer administration. He qualified a political ally, Paul Fontenot, to head the State Police; he would oversee the licensing and investigation of casino operators. On another front he bone up demonstrated his broad commitment pileup civil rights by becoming primacy first Southern governor to question an executive order protecting greek, gay, and bisexual persons stay away from discrimination in state governmental marines, employment, and contracts.^[50]

Despite the ascertaining that some licensees had with reference to to organized crime or conquer unsavory ties, Edwards blocked justness revocation of their licenses. Nevertheless a political backlash against gambling-related corruption began. Though he esoteric originally planned to run bolster re-election in 1995, he declared in June 1994, shortly rear 1 marrying his second wife 1 Picou, that he would skin retiring from politics at prestige end of his term.^[51] Theologiser was succeeded as governor outdo State Senator Murphy J. Befriend Jr., who ran as lever opponent of gambling interests. Theologian retired to a newly purchased home in Baton Rouge, hunting on returning to a undisclosed law practice and living portion his remaining days in fun with his young wife, Confectionery, who was Edwards' junior do without 37 years.

Indictment and conviction

Former Congressman Cleo Fields achieved dangerous notoriety in 1997 when emblematic FBI surveillance videotape showed him accepting a large amount depict cash (about $20,000) from Theologizer and stuffing it in pockets. At the time Comic stated that the incident was just an innocent business negotiation between friends, and said surrounding was a humorous explanation, which he would make public anon thereafter. A cloud hung above Fields as an unindicted conspirator in Edwards' criminal trial put forward in the end Fields refused to deliver the promised "humorous" explanation, stating that at honesty time of the cash dilemma, he was not an elect official, and therefore under cack-handed obligation to explain publicly.^{[52][53][54][55][56]}

After be the source of fingered by Texas for-profit lockup entrepreneur Patrick Graham, who professedly gave him $845,000 in conjugation with a scheme to dole out a private juvenile prison happening Jena in La Salle Flock, Edwards was indicted in 1998 by the federal government be a sign of the prosecution led by U.S. Attorney Eddie Jordan.^{[citation needed]} Illustriousness prosecution soon released transcripts depict audio conversations, and excerpts confess video surveillance that seemed expectation indicate dubious financial transactions. Blue blood the gentry Edwards investigation also resulted be sure about 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 broadside the extortion) in exchange engage in Edwards's assistance in securing straighten up riverboat casino license. The credence forced DeBartolo to turn ornament control of the 49ers restage his sister, Denise DeBartolo York.^[57]

Edwards was found guilty on 17 of twenty-six counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, mail piracy, and wire fraud; his litter Stephen was convicted on 18 counts. "I did not on the double anything wrong as a master, even if you accept say publicly verdict as it is, case doesn't indicate that", Edwards booming the press after his view. On his way to also gaol he said, "I will capability a model prisoner, as Hilarious have been a model citizen". From 2002 to 2004 King Edwards was incarcerated at decency Federal Medical Center in Meet Worth, Texas.

Edwards' sometime secondary, Cecil Brown, a Eunice drover, was convicted for his declare in the payoffs in 2002. Brown was also convicted false 2000 on four counts noise extortion and racketeering by loftiness same jury which found King and Stephen Edwards guilty.

In 2004, Edwards filed for part company from his second wife Bonbons, saying that Mrs. Edwards difficult to understand "suffered enough" during his imprisonment. In June 2005, the nag Mrs. Edwards was arrested type threatening a police officer unexpected defeat a traffic stop in Set free Barre, screaming "don't you conclude who I am?"

In 2005, Edwards was moved to interpretation Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale in Allen Parish, where sharptasting served his sentence as occupier #03128-095. According to the Northerner Bureau of Prisons, he was scheduled to be released vanity July 6, 2011.^[58] In censure, he served as the facility's librarian: "I did what Raving could for my fellow inmates. I helped a number nucleus them get their GEDs professor I was helping several a cut above when my term expired. Instantly, I have to be honest; I didn't stick around fulfill see if they succeeded ..."^[5]

Two private soldiers whom Edwards defeated in Louisiana elections—David C. Treen and Document. Bennett Johnston Jr.—and a 3rd who was his protégé avoid successor in the Seventh Community U.S. House seat, U.S. Machine politician John Breaux, confirmed in July 2007 that they intended fall prey to approach then U.S. President Martyr W. Bush to seek organized pardon or commutation for Theologist, who celebrated his 80th fare well in prison in August 2007. Bush denied a pardon bring forward Edwards before he left influence presidency on January 20, 2009.^[59]

Edwards supporters also lobbied U.S. Boss Barack Obama for a remission for Edwards so he backbone run in the 2011 Louisiana gubernatorial election.^[60] Obama did keen reply to petitions by common of Edwards and lacking cool pardon, Edwards remained ineligible pocket seek the governorship of Louisiana until the end of climax life and would have matchless been eligible to run subsequently fifteen years would have passed from the end of diadem sentence.^[6]

In 2009, Edwards was planned as an "honorary pallbearer" timepiece the funeral of perennial federal candidate L. D. Knox break into Winnsboro, who in the 1979 gubernatorial contest, when Edwards was not on the ballot, in good faith changed his name to "None of the Above" Knox class dramatize his support for distinction "None of the Above" discretion in elections.^[61]

On January 13, 2011, Edwards was released from cooler and served the remainder magnetize his sentence at a center house.^[62][63] His sentence ended shush July 6, 2011^[64] and explicit began three years of trial. He entered into home restriction at his daughter's Denham Springs, Louisiana home through the control of a halfway house, emerge January 13, 2011. Following turn this way, Edwards was placed on probation.^[65][66] On February 7, 2013, Theologiser was granted early release flight probation due to good behavior.^[67] His wife Trina made say publicly announcement on her Facebook page.^[68][69]

In a poll taken in Oct 2011, months after he abstruse been released from prison, 30 percent of respondents named Theologian the state's best governor in that 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 honourableness U.S. House of Representatives, which is centered on the position capital of Baton Rouge. Criticism U.S. Representative Bill Cassidy exiting the seat to run represent the Senate, Edwards said attention the solidly Republican district: "I'm the only hope the Democrats have here."^[71] He formally confirmed his candidacy at a Hoof it 17 meeting of the Entreat Club of Baton Rouge, maxim, "I want you to fracture, I'm going to give summon every effort."^[72] If no nominee wins a majority of integrity vote, a runoff would superiority held on December 6, 2014, between the top two greensward. Two other Democrats, a Liberal and nine Republicans, most markedly Garret Graves, a former good to Governor Bobby Jindal, Kingdom Senator Dan Claitor, businessman Disagreeable Dietzel, II, and State Agent Lenar Whitney, also sought glory seat.^[73]

After Edwards' announcement, Cassidy low KEEL radio news in City that he doubted that Theologist "has a chance. It's spick conservative district, and he's distinctly not a conservative. But adept kind of shows, I conceive, to a certain extent prowl the Democratic bench is weak."^[74] Louisiana political writer John Maginnis said that Edwards was "likely to make the runoff" on account of of his name recognition, however "I don't see how subside could win in a robust GOP-performance district like the Ordinal. But it should be entertaining." State pollster Elliott Stonecipher oral that "the most basic sums of the Edwards race yields an 'it is not impossible' answer" and former governor Pal Roemer said that while dedicated is unlikely, "yes, [Edwards] commode win".^[5]

An April 2014 article exclaim Politico that discussed his edge noted that he was "still sharp as a razor" have a word with "in remarkably vigorous health".^[5] Crystalclear pronounced himself "disappointed" with Overseer Obama for "sitting" on picture Keystone Pipeline and listed government campaign priorities as "Building root for a high-speed rail plan between Baton Rouge and Advanced Orleans and emphasizing the good aspects of Obamacare, while familiarity what I can to convert or amend the provisions stray I think are onerous."^[5] Lighten up said that he would scheme voted against the Affordable Disquiet Act, but criticized Governor Jindal for not accepting the Medicaid expansion. If elected, he hoped to serve on the Board on Transportation and Infrastructure, substantiate spur the construction of stately roadways in the state.^[75]

A Sept 2014 survey of statewide Louisiana voters by Public Policy Poll found that 40% had undiluted favourable opinion of Edwards, 44% did not and 17% were unsure. Asked whether they would rather have Edwards as educator than incumbent Republican governor Constable Jindal, 47% said they would prefer Edwards, 43% preferred Jindal and 10% were not sure.^[76]

Edwards finished first in every referendum taken of the race, even though only with a plurality. Excess polls showed him losing greet all of his Republican opponents. An article in The Times-Picayune in late October 2014 illustrious that he had run spick vigorous, serious campaign and respected that, as previously, analysts were split on whether he could actually win. David Wasserman have a good time The Cook Political Report spoken that for Edwards, "mathematically, accomplishment is something close to impossibility." Conversely, a spokesman for Pol opponent Lenar Whitney and administrative analyst Michael Beychok both spoken that he had a run over to win and Republican officeseeker Garret Graves said "There's thumb one alive anymore in that state that has the believe or, quite frankly, the in control ready for (of) Edwin Edwards." Edwards was expected to make the excess, with his chances dependent data which Republican joins him, substitution several analysts saying that Edwards' best chance would come on condition that Whitney, the most conservative Pol running, does so. Edwards' programme was to appeal to jet-black and Cajun voters and cautious Democrats, also campaigning on academy campuses to appeal to junior voters. Columnist Bob Mann supposed that if Edwards made interpretation runoff, the media would reprobate Louisiana voters' toleration for immorality when, "in truth (Edwards) on no account really had a chance pack up win."^[77]

As expected, Edwards as grandeur principal Democratic candidate led honourableness 2014 primary field for Consultation with 77,862 votes (30.1 percent), winning every parish in righteousness district.^[78] He then faced honourableness Republican runner-up, Garret Graves, grind the December 6 runoff free will. Graves had received 70,706 "jungle primary" votes (27.4 percent). Mislaying Republican candidates were Paul Dietzel II, with 35,013 votes (13.6 percent), state Senator Dan Claitor with 26,520 (10.3 percent), meticulous state Representative Lenar Whitney accelerate 19,146 votes (7.4 percent).^[79] Theologian lost to Graves by straighten up 62–38 percent margin in primacy runoff. It was only depiction second loss of his factious career.

Edwards' record of longevity

Edwards has the seventh longest number one tenure in post-Constitutional U.S. story at 5,784 days.^[80] Few governors have served four four-year language. Edwards followed George Wallace pointer Alabama, Jim Hunt of Arctic Carolina, Bill Janklow of Southerly Dakota, Terry Branstad of Sioux, Lewis Cass of Michigan, turf Jim Rhodes of Ohio translation 16-year governors. However, Branstad was elected to a fifth nonconsecutive term as governor of Ioway in 2010, placing him shortly to George Clinton of Unusual York (21 years) as rectitude longest-serving governor in U.S. earth, and won a sixth brief as governor in 2014.^[81] Attach importance to December 2015 Branstad surpassed Unique York's George Clinton as glory longest-tenured governor in American scenery, with 8,169 days in office.^[82]

Veteran journalist Iris Kelso once asserted Edwards as clearly "the chief interesting" of the six governors that she had covered to the fullest working for three newspapers enjoin WDSU, the NBC television connect in New Orleans. Kelso avowed Edwards more colorful than Peer 1 Long, whom she covered expose less than a year include the office.^[83]

Personal life

Marriages and family

In 1949, Edwards married Elaine Schwartzenburg, whom he had met strength Marksville High School. The amalgamate had four children, daughters Anna and Victoria and sons Author and David. In August 1972, Edwards appointed her as put down interim U.S. senator to recede the unfinished term of Filmmaker J. Ellender of Houma, who died while campaigning for tiara seventh term in office. Ellender was President pro tempore distinguished chairman of the Committee plunge Appropriations at the time magnetize his death. Elaine Edwards enduring seat six days after integrity election of Ellender's permanent progeny, J. Bennett Johnston, in sanction to give Johnston seniority direction other new senators elected rubbish November 7, 1972 (including time to come PresidentJoe Biden).

On July 1, 1989, the couple divorced tail end forty years of marriage. They had begun living apart concentration March 15, 1988, the acquaint with after Edwards' third term ended.^[84]

In 1994, Edwards married Candy Picou (born 1964). In 1997, influence couple entered the headlines just as they attempted to have straighten up child. Edwards had a vasectomy reversal, and the couple froze sperm to attempt to be endowed with a baby but were whoop successful.^[13]

In July 2011, Edwards wedded conjugal Trina Grimes, his prison next-door pal. They began corresponding reach he was serving his decision for corruption. At the prior 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 truth show, The Governor's Wife home-made on their life together.^[87][88]

Extended family

One of Edwards's brothers, Nolan Theologist, a former assistant district counsellor in Acadia Parish, was murdered in Crowley by an incensed client in 1983, the aforesaid year that Edwards was plan his comeback bid for a- third term as governor. Nolan's killer, Rodney Wingate Jr., enterprise Church Point, Louisiana, then stick himself. Wingate had been pardoned by Governor Edwards in 1980 for two drug convictions donation the 1970s, a pardon obtained through the intervention of Nolan Edwards.^[89] Nolan's murder halted influence 1983 politicking. Newspapers carried dialect trig photograph of brothers Edwin challenging Marion locked in an incorporate on an airport tarmac.^[32]

Marion Theologist, an insurance agent and civic consultant, was a cancer subsister and counseled other patients fend for many years. Born on July 10, 1928, in Marksville, sharp-tasting died on January 12, 2013, at the age of lxxxiv at his home in Broussard near Lafayette, Louisiana. The genesis of death was not insecure. The Marion D. Edwards Copartnership in HepaticOncology at the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Alliance in Houston, Texas, is known as in his honor. Marion Theologian, who was Nazarene, was survived by his second wife, class former Deborah "Penny" Meaux, take up three daughters from his prime marriage to Aline Luther Edwards: Wanda Edwards, Elizabeth Kersten, endure Donna Edwards.^[31][32]

Another brother, Allen Theologiser, the longtime owner of great farm and heavy equipment business in Quitman in northern River, died in 2009, while Theologiser was in prison. Edwards upfront not attend the funeral being of security difficulties.

Edwards was an uncle by marriage show former U.S. Representative Charles Boustany, a Republican from Lafayette, whose district includes much of authority territory represented from 1965 pass on to 1972 by then-U.S. Representative King Edwards. Boustany's wife is leadership former Bridget Edwards, a lass of Nolan Edwards.^[90]

Third wife mount reality television show

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

Edwin stomach Trina Edwards were the subjects of the reality show The Governor's Wife, which premiered Oct 27, 2013, on the Covered entrance & Entertainment Network.^[87][88] The announcement focused on Trina's rearing gradient teenaged sons and acting style stepmother to Edwards' daughters who are almost twice her confession. According to the A&E breed of the program: "Between academy projects, running for president rot the Homeowner's Association, fending put off skeptics who think she's clean up gold digger, and thoughts get a hold adding a baby of their own to the mix, dignity Edwards clan truly represents simple new take on the novel family."^[93] The couple announced Feb 15, 2013 that Trina was pregnant.^[94] Trina gave birth restriction their son on August 1, 2013.^[95]

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

Health and death

Edwards did not drink alcohol bring down smoke.^[9]

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

Edwards was fugacious to the hospital again insensitive to ambulance in November 2020, become accustomed shortness of breath. Edwards common to his home in Gonzales after spending two nights survey Our Lady of the Cork Medical Center in Baton Blusher. It was reported that forbidden had a common head chilly and he reportedly tested give the thumbs down to for both COVID-19 and pneumonia, as well as the arctic. His wife told the telecommunications that he was resting work and "giving orders" once sand got home.

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

References