VooDoo works on barbecue, too
January 7, 2014
Carla Bernard Sapia
January 8, 2014
One of Louisiana’s most recognizable political names could make a run for Congress.
And while Edwin W. Edwards hasn’t yet made up his mind, all indications are that the life-long Democrat is indeed considering a bid for the 6th Congressional District seat, abandoned by Bill Cassidy in his quest to unseat U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu. A portion of the district includes Houma.
In response to a private message inquiry on Facebook Sunday, Trina Scott Edwards, the ex-governor’s wife, writes “he simply hasn’t made a decision one way or another and isn’t making any public comments about it at this time.”
Edwards himself responded to an email message later in the day.
“Trina already replied and I will stand on her statement,” he wrote.
An Edwards’ candidacy would be weighted with more baggage than most. Just under a year ago, Edwards, now 86, completed federal probation after serving eight years of a 10-year sentence.
He was found guilty in 2001 on 17 counts of a 26-count indictment, whose charges included racketeering, extortion, money-laundering and mail fraud.
His tumultuous years as governor ran from 1972-1980, 1984-1988 and 1992-1996. The subject of numerous accusations prior to that conviction of untoward behavior and alleged corruption, Edwards has maintained that he was a “model citizen” and that during his time behind bars was a model inmate.
The Louisiana constitution prohibits Edwards from holding state office, barring a pardon or the passage of 15 years from the end of his sentence.
But the U.S. Constitution and Code have no such strictures.
Convicted felons may, have and do serve in Congress. However, if felons or anyone else deemed morally unfit to serve are elected to Congress, its members have the option of refusing to allow that person to be seated. Edwards is no stranger to the House. He represented Louisiana’s 7th District from 1966-1972.
Since ending his probation, Edwards has kept busy co-starring in an A&E Network reality show with his wife and other family members.
Local political insiders say they were told that some supporters had approached Edwards about a candidacy. There are confirmations that Edwards has sought the counsel of some locals on the matter but they are not discussing details.
In 2013, Edwards was Houma’s Krewe of Hercules Grand Marshall. During public appearances related to that role, he drew appreciative crowds and was given the Key to the City of Houma by Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet.
“For eight years, I was looking for a key,” Edwards joked, during an event at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, a reference to his years of imprisonment.
Candidates for the 6th District seat must qualify by Aug. 22. The primary date is Nov. 4 with a runoff, if needed, Dec. 6.
Announced candidates thus far are Bob Bell, a Tea Party activist and retired Navy officer; state Sen. Dan Claitor of Baton Rouge; business owner Paul Dietzel; and attorney Cassie Felder on the Republican side.
Recent law school graduate Quentin Anderson and Realtor Richard Lieberman have announced as Democrats.
Edwin Edwards could once again be Louisiana’s comeback kid. At age 86, he is said to be contemplating a bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu.
