Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards dies at 93

[Eugene]

Source: CNN

(CNN) — Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards, a Democrat who served four terms as governor and nearly 10 years in federal prison for extortion, conspiracy and racketeering, has died at age 93.

Edwards died peacefully Monday morning surround by his family and friends, Leo Honeycutt, a family spokesperson, told CNN in a statement. Last week, Edwards placed himself in hospice care following an examination at the hospital after complaining of "pain in his right lung," according to the statement.

"I have lived a good life, had better breaks than most, had some bad breaks, too, but that's all part of it. I tried to help as many people as I could and I hope I did that, and I hope, if I did, that they will help others, too. I love Louisiana and I always will," Edwards said, according to the release.

Trina Scott Edwards remembered her late husband as being "optimistic all the time."

-snip-

By Chandelis Duster, CNN
Updated 1735 GMT (0135 HKT) July 12, 2021


Read more: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/12/politics/former-louisiana-governor-edwin-edwards-dead-at-93/index.html

[Danmel]

1. When he ran against David Duke

His bumper sticker read "Vote for the Crook, It's Important"
https://www.google.com/search?q=vote+for+the+crook+it%27s+important&client=ms-android-att-us-revc&prmd=inv&sxsrf=ALeKk03O2ybarurpVV-whSbSq1DOdGJmRg:1626143092611&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF4I2L_97xAhU0MlkFHW_1COUQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&cshid=1626143205095&biw=360&bih=726#imgrc=LZzNXHFWo8MzVM

[Eugene]

3. Also "Vote the lizard, not the wizard."

[rpannier]

8. The only thing we have in common is that we both have been wizards beneath the sheets

I am concerned about the health of my opponent because he's around so many burning crosses

[elleng]

2. from Don Siegelman:

In my new book Stealing Our Democracy, on page 139, I describe how Governor Edwin Edwards and I met....
”As a Governor of Alabama, I had the pleasure of serving under Governor Edwin Edwards. When I walked into federal prison in the swamps of Louisiana, I was met at the front door by Gov. Edwards. After welcoming me he said with a grin, “You know there’s only room for one Governor here. You’ll be G-2.”
From that point I was known as G-2. Since we were in Louisiana that made perfect sense. Governor Edwards was called Governor and I was G-2. Some evenings we’d share soup made by inmates from leftover vegetables. Governor Edwards would keep us entertained and laughing. Whatever else, Governor Edwards was a man of, by and for the people.”

[niyad]

4. He was a lousy gambler. He spent a lot of time in Lake Tahoe at various casinos, often

with women who were not his wife. Casino personnel ended up spending a great deal of time talking to the feds.

[Mr. Evil]

5. I remember the election for Governor of Louisiana in 1991.

Living in Baton Rouge at the time and with the entire nation watching what was about to happen, the runoff, as predicted, was Edwin Edwards vs. David Duke. Registering to vote back then was a bit more difficult than it is today. And with each designated voter registration outlet jammed I decided to go to north BR to register to vote because most everyone said it may be the quickest in and out. No one had any idea how polarizing this election was going to be. I waited in line more than 6 hours just to register. I wasn't as politically minded back then as I am today but, maybe that election was a turning point. There were people of all walks there and as we talked we all basically agreed that whatever the wait time was it was important enough to stay and register. No one left. Edwards won the election in a landslide.

[Polybius]

10. It was my first election, and one that got me into politics

No, I didn't vote that year, nor did I live in LA. But I followed it because it was everywhere. While Edwards won by something like 61-31%, Duke somehow managed to win about 55% of the white vote.

[Mr. Evil]

11. He was quite the character.

But, he did get quite a bit done during his 4 terms. He was good at making sure someone got a contract if they took care of him but, if they didn't do a good job for the people he made sure they wouldn't get any more contracts. He really worked Central and South America promoting trade agreements for Louisiana products that benefited multiple companies and created shit-tons of jobs. He was corrupt but, not in a way that hurt the people. He just really had a lust for life and Louisiana culture and was widely admired. It's a rare occurrence when a politician can deliver on his or her promises and give you a good belly laugh at the same time. He will be missed.

[kskiska]

6. Edwards brought gambling into NOLA

It was never even put to a vote. He just wanted it.

[SouthBayDem]

7. I had no idea honestly he was still alive.

Must have mixed him up with another former Louisiana governor around the same time, Buddy Roemer (who was elected as a Democrat in '87 and changed to the Republicans very late in his one term). Roemer passed just about two months ago.

Kathleen Blanco, who was governor during Katrina, died in 2019.

[bringthePaine]

9. "Dead Crimer Gets Headline"