| Edwin Edwards | |
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| In office 1972 – 1980, 1984 – 1988, 1992 – 1996 |
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| Lieutenant | Jimmy Fitzmorris (first term) Robert Freeman (second term) Melinda Schwegmann (third term) |
| Preceded by | John McKeithen (first term) David Treen (second term) Buddy Roemer (third term) |
| Succeeded by | David Treen (first term) Buddy Roemer (second term) Mike Foster (third term) |
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| Born | August 7, 1927 Marksville, Louisiana |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Senator Elaine Edwards (1949-1989, divorced) Candace Picou Edwards (1994-2004, divorced) |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Edwin Washington Edwards (born August 7, 1927) served as the Democratic governor of Louisiana for four terms (1972–1980, 1984–1988, and 1992 –1996), twice as many terms as any other Louisiana governor has served. Colonial period (French and Spanish governors See also List of colonial governors of Louisiana United States territorial period Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The Office of Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana is the second highest state office in Louisiana. James Edward "Jimmy" Fitzmorris Jr (born November 15, 1921) is a New Orleans businessman and civic leader who was the Democratic Robert Louis "Bobby" Freeman (born April 27, 1934) is a Plaquemine ( Iberville Parish) lawyer who was the Democratic lieutenant Melinda B Schwegmann (born October 25, 1946) was the Lieutenant governor of Louisiana from 1992 - 1996 -- the first woman John Julian McKeithen ( May 28, 1918 June 4, 1999) a Democrat from the tiny Town of Columbia, the seat David Conner Treen Sr (born July 16, 1928) is a retired Attorney and Politician from Mandeville in St Charles Elson "Buddy" Roemer III (born October 4, 1943) is a former Governor of Louisiana, having served from 1988 to 1992 David Conner Treen Sr (born July 16, 1928) is a retired Attorney and Politician from Mandeville in St Charles Elson "Buddy" Roemer III (born October 4, 1943) is a former Governor of Louisiana, having served from 1988 to 1992 Murphy James "Mike" Foster Jr, (born July 11, 1930, in Franklin Louisiana) is a former Republican governor Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 1927 ( MCMXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Marksville is a city in and the Parish seat of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, United States. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. Elaine Schwartzenburg Edwards (born March 8, 1929) is a former interim member of the United States Senate and the first wife of Edwin Washington Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the termination of a Marriage. Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the termination of a Marriage. Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 1927 ( MCMXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Colonial period (French and Spanish governors See also List of colonial governors of Louisiana United States territorial period Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Edwards was also Louisiana's first Catholic governor in the twentieth century and perhaps with the exception of Huey P. Long, was Louisiana's most popular governor. Catholic is an Adjective derived from the Greek adjective '' / 'katholikos' meaning "whole" or "complete". Huey Pierce Long Jr ( August 30, 1893 September 10, 1935) nicknamed The Kingfish, was an American Politician A colorful, powerful and legendary figure in Louisiana politics, Edwards was long dogged by charges of corruption. The State of Louisiana ( or, État de Louisiane, pronounced) is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America Political corruption is the use of governmental powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain
In 2001 he was sentenced to ten years in prison on racketeering charges. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. A prison, penitentiary, or correctional facility is a place in which individuals are physically confined or interned and usually deprived of a range of A racket is an illegal business usually run as part of Organized crime. Edwards began serving his sentence in October of 2002 in Ft. Worth Texas, and was later transferred to an Oakdale, Louisiana, facility.
Two men whom Edwards defeated in Louisiana elections, David C. Treen and J. Bennett Johnston, Jr., and a third who was Edwards' protege, John B. Breaux, confirmed in July 2007 that they intend to approach U.S. President George W. Bush about procuring a pardon or commutation for Edwards, who celebrated his 80th birthday in prison in August 2007. David Conner Treen Sr (born July 16, 1928) is a retired Attorney and Politician from Mandeville in St John Bennett Johnston Jr (born June 10, 1932) is a Washington D John Berlinger Breaux (bɹo (born March 1, 1944) is a former United States senator from Louisiana who served from 1987 until 2005 Events in July The traditional period known as "fence month" (the closed season for deer in England ended July 9 (date varied Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. A pardon is the forgiveness of a crime and the penalty associated with it
Early life and career
Edwin Washington Edwards was born in rural Avoyelles Parish, near Marksville. Avoyelles (Paroisse des Avoyelles is a Parish located in the U Marksville is a city in and the Parish seat of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, United States. His father, Clarence Edwards, was a half-Cajun Presbyterian sharecropper, while his mother, Agnès (Brouillette) Edwards, was a French-speaking Cajun Catholic. Cajuns ('keʒən les Cadiens are an Ethnic group mainly living in Louisiana, consisting of the descendants of Acadian exiles and peoples of other Presbyterianism is a family of Christian denominations within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity Sharecropping is a system of agriculture or agricultural production in which a landowner allows a tenant to use the land in return for a share of the crop produced on the land (e Catholic is an Adjective derived from the Greek adjective '' / 'katholikos' meaning "whole" or "complete".
The young Edwards had originally planned on a career as a preacher. As a young man, he did some preaching for the Church of the Nazarene. He served briefly in the Navy Air Corps near the end of World War II. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including After his return, he graduated from Louisiana State University law school at age 21 and began practicing law in Crowley, Louisiana in 1949, moving there after his sister Audrey (who had moved there with her husband) told him there were few French-speaking attorneys in town. Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, generally known as Louisiana State University or LSU, is a public, Coeducational Crowley is a city in and the Parish seat of Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States.
Edwards’ career was thus helped by his being bilingual and articulate in both English and Cajun French. English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States See also [[Cajun]] Cajun French (sometimes called Louisiana Regional French) is one of three varieties or Dialects of the French language He learned to cultivate the goodwill of the media, both working reporters and editorial page editors. One of his favorites was Adras LaBorde, longtime managing editor of the Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Adras Paul LaBorde I (December 12 1912 – March 6 1993 was a reporter editor, and Columnist for the Alexandria Daily Town Talk, the largest Alexandria is a City in and the Parish seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, United States. LaBorde even influenced Edwards in regard to environmental policy.
Edwards entered politics through election to the Crowley City Council in 1954. Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) He was a member of the Democratic Party which, in that era, had a monopoly on public offices in Louisiana. The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. Edwards remained on the Crowley council until his election to the Louisiana state Senate in 1964; in that race he defeated 20-year incumbent Bill Cleveland in a major political upset.
After serving in the state Senate as a floor leader for governor John McKeithen, Edwards was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1965 to 1972. John Julian McKeithen ( May 28, 1918 June 4, 1999) a Democrat from the tiny Town of Columbia, the seat The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress; the other is the Senate. Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. He won the congressional seat in a special election called when the incumbent, T. A by-election or bye-election (called special election in the United States) is an Election held to fill a political office that has become vacant A. Thompson of Ville Platte, was killed in an automobile accident. Edwards was easily reelected to three full terms in the House in 1966, 1968, and 1970. Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. Year 1968 ( MCMLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
In 1968, he defeated Republican Vance William Plauche (born 1924) of Lake Charles, son of former one-term Democratic Congressman Vance Gabriel Plauche (1941–1943) with more than 80 percent of the general election vote. Year 1924 ( MCMXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Vance Gabriel Plauche ( August 25, 1897 -- April 2, 1976) was a Lake Charles Attorney and civic leader who represented the Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. A general election is an Election in which all or most members of a given political body are up for election While in Congress, Edwards served on the Public Works, Judiciary, and Internal Security committees. He also became known as one of the few Southern congressmen to support the extension of the Voting Rights Act.
Edwards married Elaine Schwartzenburg, whom he had met in high school in Marksville. The couple had four children: Anna, Victoria, Stephen, and David.
1971–72 campaign for governor
In the election of 1971–1972, Edwards won the governorship after finishing first in a field of seventeen candidates in the Democratic primary, including the final race of former governor Jimmie Davis and Gillis Long, a relative of Huey's. The Louisiana gubernatorial election of 1971-1972 was held in three rounds His greatest support came from southern Louisiana, particularly among its large numbers of Cajun, Creole, and African-American voters. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa In the first primary, Edwards led with 276,397 (23. 8 percent). Bennett Johnston, a state senator from Shreveport, followed with 208,830 (17. Shreveport is the third-largest city and the principal city of the third largest Metropolitan area in the U 8 percent). In third place was former Congressman Gillis William Long of Alexandria, with 164,276 (14 percent). Gillis William Long ( May 4, 1923 &ndash January 20, 1985) was among numerous members of the powerful Long political Dynasty Former Governor James Houston "Jimmie" Davis was fourth with 138,756 (11. James Houston Davis ( September 11, 1899 - November 5, 2000) better known as Jimmie Davis, was a noted Singer of both sacred 8 percent). Far to the rear of the pack was Congressman Speedy O. Long of Jena in rural La Salle Parish with only 61,359 (5. Speedy Oteria Long ( June 16 1928 – October 5 2006) was a Jena ( La Salle Parish) lawyer who was a Democratic Jena (pronunciation ˈjeːna is a university City in central Germany on the river Saale. La Salle Parish is a Parish located in the US state of Louisiana. 2 percent).
Both Edwards and Johnston ran on reform-oriented platforms during the primary, but Edwards was far more adept at making political deals and building alliances for the runoff round of voting. Edwards defeated Johnston in the runoff primary, 584,262 (50. 2 percent) to 579,774 (49. 8 percent) which worked out to less than one vote per precinct. The victory showed that south Louisiana was eclipsing the north in both population and in the future political domination of the state. Edwards then defeated Republican gubernatorial nominee David Treen, then of Metairie in Jefferson Parish, in the February 1, 1972 general election. Metairie (local pronunciations /ˈmɛtəɹi/ /ˈmɛtɹi/ is a Census-designated place (CDP in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States Jefferson Parish is a parish in Louisiana, United States that includes most of the Suburbs of New Orleans. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
Though Treen ran a vigorous campaign, Louisiana's Democratic tradition favored Edwards from the start. Edwards polled 641,146 (57. 2 percent) to Treen's 480,424 (42. 8 percent) Edwards also overcame the south Louisiana "jinx" that had doomed former New Orleans Mayor deLesseps Story "Chep" Morrison, Sr., in his three gubernatorial bids. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana DeLesseps Story "Chep" Morrison Sr ( January 18, 1912 -- May 22, 1964) was the mayor of New Orleans from 1946-1961
On election night, Edwards gave public credit to the black New Orleans political organization SOUL for his extremely narrow victory, stating that the 12,000 vote lead SOUL had brought him in New Orleans had put him over the top. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana Such public recognition of black political power by a governor was unprecedented.
First two terms as governor, 1972–1980
Both in his liberal political rhetoric and in his flamboyant public persona, Edwards cast himself as a Louisiana populist in the tradition of Huey P. Long and Earl K. Long. Huey Pierce Long Jr ( August 30, 1893 September 10, 1935) nicknamed The Kingfish, was an American Politician Earl Kemp Long ( August 26, 1895 September 5, 1960) was a colorful American politician and three-time Democratic governor He as inaugurated as governor on May 9. Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of One of his first acts was to call for a constitutional convention to overhaul Louisiana's bulky charter. Many of the sections on state government were written by delegate Robert G. Pugh, a prominent Shreveport attorney, who became an advisor to Edwards and two other governors thereafter. Robert Gahagan "Bob" Pugh Sr ( August 25, 1924 – November 17, 2007) was a prominent Attorney in Shreveport, Voters approved the new constitution by a three-to-two margin in 1974, and government reorganization resulted. For the first time Louisiana operated with a "cabinet style" executive department in lieu of the hundreds of boards and commissions that had existed for decades, each its own fiefdom.
During his first two terms in office, Edwards developed a reputation for being one of the most colorful and flamboyant politicians in the history of a state known for its unorthodox political figures. Charismatic, well-dressed, and quick with clever one-liners and retorts, Edwards maintained wide popularity.
Edwards also depended heavily on Senator Sixty Rayburn of Bogalusa, whose 44-year service earned him the sobriquet as "Dean of the Louisiana Senate. Benjamin Burras Rayburn Sr, known as B B "Sixty" Rayburn ( August 11, 1916 - March 5, 2008) was a Veteran Bogalusa is a City in Washington Parish, Louisiana, United States. A sobriquet is a Nickname or a fancy name usually a familiar name given by others as distinct from a Pseudonym assumed as a disguise but a nickname which is familiar
Policies and achievements
After enduring three grueling rounds of voting in the 1971–72 campaign, Edwards pushed a bill through the Legislature that limited state elections to two rounds by having Democratic, Republican, and independent candidates run together on the same ballot in an open primary. Ironically, though the jungle primary system was intended to benefit Edwards’ own political career, many observers cite it as being a major factor in the rise of the state’s Republican party and the creation of a genuinely competitive two-party system. A nonpartisan blanket primary (also known as a Louisiana For this, Edwards was christened "father of Louisiana's Republican Party. "
In his first term as governor, Edwards initiated the creation of the first new constitution for Louisiana in fifty years. A constitution is a system for government often Codified as a written document that establishes the rules and principles of an autonomous political entity He intended to replace the Constitution of 1921, an unwieldy and outmoded document burdened with hundreds of amendments. A constitutional convention was held in 1973; the resulting document was put into effect in 1975. The 1973 Constitution remains in effect as of 2007. Edwards also undertook a major reorganization of the state government, abolishing over 80 state agencies and modeling the remaining structure after that of the federal government.
In his first year in office, Edwards appointed his wife Elaine S. Edwards, also a native of Avoyelles Parish, to complete the Senate term of the deceased Allen J. Ellender. Elaine Schwartzenburg Edwards (born March 8, 1929) is a former interim member of the United States Senate and the first wife of Edwin Washington Allen Joseph Ellender ( September 24, 1890 - July 27, 1972) was a popular U Mrs. Edwards served from August–November 1972, and during that time, the small town of Crowley boasted the governor, a U. S. Senator, and a U. S. Representative (former Edwards aide John Breaux), who all lived within a few blocks of each other.
An outspoken supporter of civil rights, Edwards was the first Louisiana governor since Reconstruction to appoint blacks and women to high positions in his administration.
Edwards’ tenure in the 1970s coincided with a huge boom in the states’ oil and gas industry after the gas pricing crisis of 1973. Edwards was able to greatly expand the state’s oil revenues by basing severance taxes on a percentage of the price of each barrel rather than the former flat rate. This oil money fueled a massive increase in state spending (an 163% increase between 1972 and 1980), and Edwards was able to consistently balance the state budget due to the boom in oil revenue. Much of this increased spending went toward health and human services program and increased funding for vocational-technical schools and higher education.
Edwards easily won reelection in 1975, with 750,107 votes (62. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 3 percent). In second place was Democratic State Senator Robert G. "Bob" Jones of Lake Charles, son of former Governor Sam Houston Jones, with 292,220 (24. Robert Gambrell "Bob" Jones (born May 9, 1939) is a Stockbroker in Lake Charles who served in the Louisiana House of Representatives Lake Charles is the fifth largest incorporated City in the US state of Louisiana. Sam Houston Jones ( July 15, 1897 – February 7, 1978) was the reform Democratic Governor of Louisiana from 3 percent). Secretary of State Wade O. Martin, Jr., ran third with 146,363 (12. Wade Omer Martin Jr ( April 18, 1911 – August 6, 1990) was the Democratic Secretary of State of Louisiana under five 2 percent). Thereafter, both Jones and Martin became Republicans.
Early scandals
Though arguably minor compared to the Edwards scandals of the 1980s and 1990s, the governor was embroiled in several ethics controversies during his first two terms in office. At the time, Edwards was remarkably candid about his questionable practices. When questioned about receiving illegal campaign contributions, he replied that “It was illegal for them to give, but not for me to receive. ” He also insisted he saw no problem with investing in a proposed New Orleans office building called "One Edwards Square" (it was never actually named that) while still governor, and demonstrated his gambling prowess to the press on one of his frequent gambling trips to Las Vegas. New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana Las Vegas ( Spanish: "The Meadows" is the most populous City in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County, and an internationally Later, Edwards’ commissioner of administration Charles Roemer — father of future governor Buddy Roemer – was convicted of taking bribes and having connections with Mafia boss Carlos Marcello. Charles Elson "Buddy" Roemer III (born October 4, 1943) is a former Governor of Louisiana, having served from 1988 to 1992 The Mafia (also known as Cosa Nostra) is a Sicilian Criminal Secret society which is believed to have first developed in the mid-19th century Carlos Marcello (b February 6, 1910 &ndash March 3, 1993) was a New Orleans Mobster who became the boss of the Edwards managed to avoid direct implication in the Roemer case.
During the governor’s first term, a disaffected former Edwards associate named Clyde Vidrine made several high-profile accusations of corruption, including the sale of state agency posts. The accusations were investigated by a grand jury, but Edwards managed to successfully attack Vidrine’s credibility and the investigation stalled. Later, Vidrine published a tell-all book called Just Takin’ Orders, which included salacious details of Edwards’ frequent gambling trips and extramarital escapades. Vidrine was later murdered in broad daylight on the courthouse steps in Shreveport.
In 1976 scandal known as Koreagate, it came to light that Edwards and his wife Elaine had received questionable gifts in 1971, while Edwards was still a U. Koreagate was an American Political scandal in 1976 involving South Korean political figures seeking influence from members of Congress S. Congressman. South Korean rice broker Tongsun Park was under investigation for trying to bribe American legislators on behalf of the South Korean government, and for making millions of dollars in commissions on American purchases of South Korean rice. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː Tongsun Park (born 1935 also known as Pak Dong-seon, was a figure in two political money-related scandals Koreagate in the 1970s and the Oil-for-Food Program Edwards admitted that Park gave Elaine an envelope containing $10,000 in cash, but insisted that the gift was given out of friendship and that there was nothing improper about it. In the course of the controversy, Edwards stated that he thought it was “super moralistic” for the U. S. government to prohibit American businessmen to accept gifts from foreign officials in the course of their business dealings.
First political comeback: Edwards vs. Treen, 1983
Barred by the state constitution from seeking a third term immediately after his second, Edwards temporarily left politics in 1979 but made it clear he would run again in 1983. He began raising money and touring the state years before the 1983 election, maintaining what supporters called "the government in waiting. "
In 1979, Republican reformer David Treen was narrowly elected governor. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Edwards had supported Treen's opponent, Democratic Public Service Commissioner Louis Lambert of Ascension Parish. Louis Joseph Lambert Jr (born December 21, 1940) is a Louisiana Attorney, Businessman, former member and chairman of the Louisiana Ascension Parish ( French: Paroisse de l'Ascension) is a Parish located in the U In 1983, Edwards defeated Treen's re-election attempt. Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) The election offered a clear contrast between the flamboyant charismatic Edwards and the low-key, policy-oriented Treen. Treen focussed on Edward’s reputation for corruption and dishonesty, while Edwards sought to portray Treen as incompetent and unresponsive to the public. The two major candidates spent over $18 million dollars between them; the election became renowned as one of the most expensive campaigns ever conducted in a state Louisiana’s size. John Maginnis’s 1984 book, The Last Hayride, chronicles this colorful campaign.
Before election day, Edwards had joked with reporters: "The only way I can lose this election is if I'm caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy". Edwards zinged Treen many times, once describing Treen as "so slow it takes him an hour and a half to watch 60 Minutes. Not to be confused with the BBC news magazine program Sixty Minutes (TV series. " During a gubernatorial debate in 1983, Treen asked Edwards, "How come you talk out of both sides of your mouth?" Edwards instantly responded, "So people like you with only half a brain can understand me. " Although Edwards won the 1983 election in a 62 percent landslide, effectively ending Treen's political career, former Governor Treen has since spoken out against his former opponent's incarceration.
Then Shreveport Journal editor Stanley R. Tiner reported after the campaign of 1983 that Edwards disbelieves in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and does not personally expect to go to heaven. Stanley Ray Tiner (born 1942 has since May 2000 been the executive editor and vice president of The Sun Herald Newspaper in Biloxi-Gulfport This article concerns itself with Jesus Christ Christian, Islamic and other religious interpretations of resurrection in general Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) Heaven may refer to the physical heavens the sky or the seemingly endless expanse of the Universe beyond There was an uproar in conservative religious circles, but the comments did not stop Edwards from finishing his term or winning a fourth election eight years thereafter.
After his 1983 victory, Edwards took some six hundred supporters on an eight-day tour of France and Belgium, including dinner at Versailles and gambling in Monte Carlo. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those Versailles (vɛʀsaj in French) formerly de facto capital of the kingdom of France, is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and is still an important Monte-Carlo ( Occitan: Montcarles, Monégasque: Monte-Carlu) is one of Monaco 's various administrative areas sometimes erroneously Each paid $10,000. Edwards expected a 70 percent profit on the contributors' tickets to retire a whopping $4. 2 million campaign debt. Campaign style bumper stickers were printed that were distributed to those who contributed to the retirement of this campaign debt that were seen on vehicles in Louisiana for years afterward that read, in hi blue and gold campaign colors, "I did Paris with the Gov. "
Third term as governor, 1984–1988
The third Edwards administration went badly by all accounts. The oil money that fueled the success of Edwards's first two terms was in short supply in the third term. His oil severance tax restructuring came back to hurt him as plummeting oil prices led to massive shortages in the state treasury. In 1984, Edwards attempted to deal with the erosion of state revenue by approving $730 million worth of new personal taxes. The Legislature passed these taxes into law, but the taxes were highly unpopular and damaged his level of public support. Much of Edwards’ support in the 1970s had been a result of his high levels of social spending during times of economic prosperity; with these economic conditions gone, his popularity waned.
The John Volz indictment and trials
In February 1985, soon after his third term began, Edwards was forced to stand trial on charges of mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and bribery, brought by U. S. Attorney John Volz. The charges were centered around an alleged scheme in which Edwards and his associates received almost two million dollars in exchange for granting preferential treatment to companies dealing with state hospitals. Edwards proclaimed his innocence and insisted that the charges were politically motivated by Volz and the Republican party. The first trial resulted in a mistrial in December 1985, while a second trial in 1986 resulted in an acquittal. Edwards later recited during a toast at a French Quarter bar, though his beverage was non alcoholic as he did not drink, a rhyming invitation for Volz to "kiss my ass". The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in the city of New Orleans Louisiana. The trials were rather lengthy, and at one point during the first trial but before the mistrial the governor rode to the Hale Boggs U. S. Courthouse on a mule from his hotel. When asked by reporters why he did so, he repplied somethign to the effect that it was symbolic of the speed and intellect of the federal judicial system. His brother Marion Edwards, an attoney, often wearing a pinstrip suit with a top hat and cane, would also hold comedic press briefings at the end of each court session on the steps of the courthouse in New Orleans mocking the U. S. Depatment of Justice, U. S. Attorney Volz and United States Judge Marcel Livaudais, who presided over the trials.
Even after successfully beating the Volz indictment, Edwin Edwards’ popularity was in decline. Despite his acquittal, the trial brought many sordid details of Edwards’ conduct under public scrutiny. It was revealed that during frequent gambling trips to Las Vegas, Edwards lost hundreds of thousands of dollars under aliases such as T. Wong and E. Lee, later paying these gambling debts using suitcases stuffed with cash of unknown origin.
After the trial, Edwards’ support for the legalization of gambling as a solution to the state’s severe revenue shortages contributed to a further decline in his popularity. He had made unpopular budget cuts to education and other social programs earlier in his term. Beginning in January 1986, he argued that legalizing casino gambling in ten to fifteen locations and creating a state lottery would be a way to restore the cut programs, but the state legislature rejected his gambling proposals. Entering a tough re-election campaign in 1987, Edwards seemed vulnerable. Going into the election, his disapproval ratings ranged from 52 to 71 percent.
Defeat: Edwards vs. Roemer, 1987
Several notable candidates lined up to face Edwards in the 1987 gubernatorial election. The Louisiana gubernatorial election of 1987 resulted in the election of Buddy Roemer as Governor of Louisiana. Perhaps his strongest early challenger was Republican Congressman Bob Livingston. Robert ("Bob" Linlithgow Livingston Jr (born April 30, 1943) is a Washington D Also in the race were Billy Tauzin, a then-Democratic Cajun congressman, Democratic Secretary of State Jim Brown, and a Democratic congressman from north Louisiana, Buddy Roemer, who climbed up from a series of very low early-campaign polls. Wilbert Joseph Tauzin II usually known as Billy Tauzin, (born June 14 1943) American politician of Cajun descent was a member James Harvey "Jim" Brown Jr (born May 6, 1940) is a Political consultant and Commentator based in Baton Rouge long active Charles Elson "Buddy" Roemer III (born October 4, 1943) is a former Governor of Louisiana, having served from 1988 to 1992
"Anyone But Edwards"
Edwin was the issue of the campaign. Because of his name recognition, his resilient supporters, and unmatched political skill, even a weakened Edwards could safely assume he would win a place in Louisiana's unique primary election system runoff. The question was whether his opponent in the runoff would be someone who could beat him.
There was a prevailing sense in the race that Edwards needed Livingston in the runoff. Livingston was a Republican in a state that had at that point elected only one Republican governor since Reconstruction. And Livingston was widely perceived as lacking in charisma and personality, which would work to Edwards's advantage. Any other opponent, a moderate Democrat without the ethical problems, would be dangerous. To that end, Edwards talked up Livingston. It didn't work. Perhaps the key moment in the 1987 race came at a forum between the candidates. As usual, the main topic of discussion was Edwin Edwards. His challengers were asked, in succession, if they would consider endorsing Edwards in the general election if they didn't make it to the runoff. The candidates hedged, particularly Secretary of State Brown. The last candidate to speak was Buddy Roemer: "No, we've got to slay the dragon. I would endorse anyone but Edwards. " The next day, as political commentator John Maginnis put it, Jim Brown was explaining his statement while Buddy Roemer was ordering "Slay the Dragon" buttons. Boosted by his endorsement as the ‘good government candidate’ by nearly every newspaper in the state, Roemer stormed from last place in the polls and on election night, overtook Edwin Edwards and placed first in the primary election, with 33% of the vote compared with Edward’s 28%. This marked the first and last time Edwin Edwards ever finished other than first in an election.
In what seemed to be the end of Edwards' political career, the governor withdrew from the contest in his concession speech, automatically electing Buddy Roemer governor. Charles Elson "Buddy" Roemer III (born October 4, 1943) is a former Governor of Louisiana, having served from 1988 to 1992 In fact, he was cleverly setting a trap for Roemer. By withdrawing, Edwards denied Roemer the opportunity to build a governing coalition in the general election race, and denied him the decisive majority victory that he surely would have attained. In one stroke, Edwards made Buddy Roemer a minority governor. Also, Edwards virtually ceded control of the state to Roemer even before his inauguration. By doing so, he passed on the burden of the state's problems to the new governor, who was essentially under the gun even before assuming office. For four years, Roemer struggled to be a reform governor of Louisiana as so many had before him. And although virtually no one realized it at the time, Edwin Edwards quietly waited in the wings for his shot at redemption.
A second comeback: Edwards vs. Duke, 1991
As the 1991 governor's race drew near, many of Edwards' friends encouraged him to abandon his planned comeback, believing that he had no chance to win. The Louisiana gubernatorial election of 1991 resulted in the election of Edwin Edwards to his fourth non-consecutive term as Governor of Louisiana. After Edwards' loss in 1987, a journalist for the defunct Shreveport Journal wrote that the only way Edwin Edwards could ever be elected again was to run against Adolf Hitler. Hi and welcome to Wikipedia! Please understand that this article is frequently vandalized and vandalism is reverted immediately These words turned out to be prophetic. In the 1991 primary, Edwards discovered his runoff opponent to be none other than David Duke, the highly controversial former Ku Klux Klan leader. David Ernest Duke (born July 1, 1950) is a former Louisiana State Representative, a Candidate in Presidential primaries for the Ku Klux Klan ( KKK) is the name of several past and present secret domestic terrorist organizations in the United States, generally in the southern states that are Edwards received 34 percent of the vote while Duke received 32 percent. Governor Roemer placed third, 80,000 votes behind Duke.
The runoff between a former Klansman and a former governor who was widely considered corrupt but was also minority-friendly, gained national attention. Support for Edwards grew in between the primary and the runoff. Faced with the alternative of Duke, many who were otherwise lukewarm for Edwards found him looking ever better. Edwards found himself receiving endorsements from both Treen and Roemer; even Republican President Bush admitted that Edwards, the Democrat, was a better choice than Duke, a putative Republican. George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12 1924 served as the forty-first President of the United States from 1989 to 1993 A very popular bumpersticker urging support for Edwards (although clearly not produced by his campaign) read "Vote For the Crook. It's Important. " Another read, "Better a lizard than a wizard. " Edwards said that this would be his final term as governor and that he cared about leaving a good legacy, which made many hope that the corruption of his previous administrations would not be repeated. Edwards won by a wide margin.
Fourth term as governor, 1992–1996
In his last term, Edwards promoted casino gambling in Louisiana, which had been a major part of his platform in the 1991 campaign. A casino is in the modern sense of the word a facility that houses and accommodates certain types of Gambling activities In June 1992, his heavy lobbying led the state legislature to pass a bill calling for a single large land-based casino in New Orleans. He also appointed a board that, at his private direction, awarded 15 floating riverboat casinos that had been authorized by the Legislature and the Roemer administration. He appointed a political ally, Paul Fontenot, to head the State Police; he would oversee the licensing and investigation of casino operators.
Despite the discovery that some licensees had links to organized crime or other unsavory ties, Edwards blocked the revocation of their licenses. But a political backlash against gambling-related corruption began. Though he had originally planned to run for re-election in 1995, he announced in June 1994, shortly after marrying his second wife Candy Picou, that he would be retiring from politics at the end of his term. Edwards was succeeded as governor by State Senator Mike Foster, who ran as an opponent of gambling interests. Murphy James "Mike" Foster Jr, (born July 11, 1930, in Franklin Louisiana) is a former Republican governor Edwards retired to a newly purchased home in Baton Rouge, intent on returning to a private law practice and living out his remaining days in contentment with his young wife (born 1964). Baton Rouge (French Bâton-Rouge ˌbætən ˈruːdʒ in English, and in French) is the capital city of Louisiana.
Indictment and Conviction
Edwards was indicted in 1998 by the federal government, with prosecution led by U. S. Attorney Eddie Jordan. Eddie Jack Jordan Jr (born 1952 is the departing District attorney for Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The prosecution soon released transcripts of audio conversations, as well as excerpts of video surveillance that seemed to indicate dubious financial transactions. The Edwards investigation also tarnished the reputation of San Francisco 49ers owner Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., who admitted to paying Edwards $400,000 in exchange for Edwards's assistance in securing a casino license. The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team Edward John DeBartolo Jr (born November 6, 1946 in Youngstown Ohio) is an American businessman who developed Shopping malls as part of his father's
Edwards was found guilty on 17 of 26 counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, mail fraud, and wire fraud; his son Stephen was convicted on 18 counts. A racket is an illegal business usually run as part of Organized crime. Extortion, outwresting, or exaction is a criminal offense, which occurs when a person Unlawfully obtains either money property or services Money laundering is the practice of engaging in financial Transactions in order to conceal the Identity, source and/or destination of Money, Mail fraud refers to any scheme which attempts to unlawfully obtain money or valuables in which the Postal system is used at any point in the commission of a criminal offense Wire fraud is a legal concept in the United States Code which provides for enhanced penalty of any criminally fraudulent activity if it is determined that the activity involved "I did not do anything wrong as a governor, even if you accept the verdict as it is, it doesn't indicate that," Edwards told the press after his conviction. On his way to prison he said, "I will be a model prisoner, as I have been a model citizen". From 2002 to 2004 Edwin Edwards was incarcerated at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas and the seventeenth-largest city in the United States.
In 2004, Edwards filed for divorce from his second wife Candy, saying that Mrs. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Edwards had "suffered enough" during his incarceration. In June 2005, the former Mrs. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Edwards was arrested for threatening a police officer at a traffic stop in Port Barre, screaming "don't you know who I am"?
In 2005, Edwards was moved to the Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale, Louisiana where he is serving his sentence as inmate #03128-095. Oakdale is a small City in Allen Parish, Louisiana, United States. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he is scheduled to be released in July 6, 2011. FBOP redirects here For the bank holding company see FBOP Corporation. Events 1044 - The Battle of Ménfő takes place 1189 - Richard the Lionheart is crowned King of England 2011 ( MMXI) will be a Common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. [1] Efforts have been underway since his imprisonment to obtain a presidential pardon or commutation for Edwards, whose 80th birthday was August 7, 2007. Commutation of sentence involves the reduction of legal penalties, especially in terms of imprisonment. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Among those supporting the pardon effort are David Treen and Shreveport automobile dealer Ed Powell. Former President George H.W. Bush also supports commuting Edwards' sentence to time served and has written a letter to the current President's pardon board. George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12 1924 served as the forty-first President of the United States from 1989 to 1993 [2] Edwards is currently writing his memoirs while in federal prison.
Personal life
Edwards is twice divorced from two long term marriages. He has 4 children from his first marriage.
In 1949 Edwards married Elaine Schwartzenburg aka Elaine Edwards (born 1929). Elaine Schwartzenburg Edwards (born March 8, 1929) is a former interim member of the United States Senate and the first wife of Edwin Washington While Governor he appointed Elaine to the Senate to fill out the unfinished term of Allen Ellender, who died while in office. Allen Joseph Ellender ( September 24, 1890 - July 27, 1972) was a popular U He said he trusted her experience. They had four children. In 1989 after 40 years of marriage the marriage ended by divorce.
In 1994 Edwards married Candy Picou (born 1964). In 1997 the couple entered the headlines when they attempted to have a child. Edwin had his vasectomy reversed and the couple froze sperm to attempt to have a baby. There efforts ended with Edwin's legal trouble. Edwin suggested his wife divorce after his indictment but she wouldn't hear of it. While in prison Edwin Edwards filed for divorce from Candy Edwards. The divorce was finalized in 2004 during Edward's prison tenure. Candy and Edwin Edwards are still close friends and she visits him often in prison. In 2006 Candy Edwards gave birth to a child named Harrison Arthur Picou Low. The father is Brian Low (born 1975). Low and Candy are not married and she is still single. Candy has said that she brought the child to the prison on one of her visits with her for Edwin to see him. She said that he is very supportive of her. Candy Edwards continues to use her married name and works as a real estate agent. When asked if she and Edwin would ever get back together after his release from prison she said that "anything could happen".
Edwin stated that Mrs. Edwards had suffered enough during his prison tenure, in his reasoning for ending the marriage. In 2005 Mrs. Edwards was arrested for a traffic violation involving speeding, driving under a suspended license, and resisting an officer[3].
Edwards' record of longevity
Few governors have served four four-year terms. Edwards hence joins the late George C. Wallace, Sr. of Alabama, Jim Hunt of North Carolina, Bill Janklow of South Dakota, Terry Branstad of Iowa and Jim Rhodes of Ohio as 16-year governors. George Corley Wallace Jr (August 25 1919 September 13 1998 was a Democratic Governor of Alabama for four terms (1963-1967 1971-1979 and 1983-1987 and ran for Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. James Baxter Hunt Jr (born May 16, 1937 in Wilson NC) is a former four-term Democratic Governor of the U North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States William John "Bill" Janklow (born September 13, 1939) is a former American politician with the Republican Party. South Dakota ( is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. Terry Edward Branstad (b November 17 1946, Leland Iowa) is a former four-term Republican Governor of Iowa, who served from The State of Iowa ( is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. James Allen Rhodes ( September 13, 1909 – March 4, 2001) was an American Republican politician from Ohio, and Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads Former Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller would also have been among the long-term incumbents too had he not resigned at the end of 1973, with a year left in his term as governor of New York; Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin would have also served 16 years had he not resigned halfway into his fourth term to become George W. Bush's initial Secretary of Health and Human Services. Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller ( July 8, 1908 January 26, 1979) was the forty-first Vice President of the United States, the forty-ninth Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Tommy George Thompson (born November 19, 1941) a United States Politician, was the 42nd Governor of Wisconsin and the 7th Wisconsin ( or wɪˈskɑnsɨn (French Ouisconsin) is one of the fifty United States of America, located in the north central part of the United States George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services is the head of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, concerned with health matters
When the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame opened in Winnfield in 1993, Edwards was among the first inductees. Winnfield is a city in and the Parish seat of Winn Parish, Louisiana, United States. Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar)
References
- ^ Federal Bureau of Prisons
- ^ Former president backs Edwards http://www.nola.com/timespic/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1200378605287370.xml&coll=1
- ^ Candy Edwards Arrested
Bridges, Tyler. Bad bet on the Bayou: The Rise of Gambling in Louisiana and the Fall of Governor Edwin Edwards. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2001.
Dawson, Joseph G. The Louisiana Governors: From Iberville to Edwards. Baton Rouge: LSU Press, 1990.
Hathorn, Billy. "The Republican Party in Louisiana, 1920–1980," Master's thesis (1980), Northwestern State University at Natchitoches.
Maginnis, John. The Last Hayride. Baton Rouge: Gris Gris Press, 1984.
Maginnis, John. Cross to Bear. Baton Rouge: Darkhorse Press, 1992.
Reeves, Miriam G. The Governors of Louisiana. Gretna: Pelican Press, 1998.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by T. Ashton Thompson |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 7th congressional district 1965–1972 |
Succeeded by John Breaux |
| Preceded by John J. McKeithen |
Governor of Louisiana 1972–1980 |
Succeeded by David C. Treen |
| Preceded by David C. Treen |
Governor of Louisiana 1984–1988 |
Succeeded by Buddy Roemer |
| Preceded by Buddy Roemer |
Governor of Louisiana 1992–1996 |
Succeeded by Murphy J. Foster, Jr. |
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