BATON ROUGE, La. (WGNO) — Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards announced Monday that he will run for US Congress.
Louisiana’s 6th congressional seat is being vacated by Bill Cassidy (R).
Edwards, a Democrat, served four terms as Governor of Louisiana from 1972-1980, 1984-1988, and 1992-1996. A scandal involving licensing of riverboat casinos in his forth term led to a felony conviction and a ten year prison sentence for the 86-year-old.
Edwards is as an outspoken supporter of civil rights, and has appointed more African-Americans and women to key positions in state government than any governor before him.
Edwards told Bloomberg reporter Albert Hunt in February, “I’m the only hope the Democrats have here.”
The 6th congressional district includes Ascension Parish, Assumption Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Iberville Parish, Lafourche Parish, Livingston Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish.
Edwards’ announcement Monday came during a Press Club luncheon at a Baton Rouge casino.
The Opposition
Republican, Craig McCulloch, who is also running for Congress in Louisiana’s 6th district issued a statement shortly after Edwards’ announcement calling the Edwards Administration a “stain on our state’s history.”
“The Edwards Administration brought Louisiana higher taxes, increased gambling and a culture of corruption that has harmed our image and business climate for decades,” the LAGOP said in a statement.
The LAGOP also highlighted Edwards’ brief sting in reality TV, saying “his antics may be fit for a reality show, but not public office.”
Edwards and his third wife Trina starred in a reality show “The Governor’s Wife” on the A&E Network, but the network dropped the show before the first season was complete.
