Former Gov., ex-convict Edwin Edwards to run for Congress
(CNN) - Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards said Monday he's running for the state's 6th Congressional district.
Edwards, who was released from federal prison three years ago after serving nearly a decade on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and extortion, made the announcement at a Press Club meeting in Baton Rouge.
[twitter-follow screen_name='politicalticker'][twitter-follow screen_name='danadavidsen']
"I acknowledge that there are good reasons why I should not run. I know that, but there are better reasons why I should and good reasons have to give way to better reasons and therefore, I will be a candidate for congress in the sixth congressional district this year," Edwards said.
The 86 year-old Democrat began serving his sentence in February 2001 for the charges stemming from a casino license scheme.
The state's 6th Congressional seat is held by Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, who announced last year he would run for the Senate, challenging Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu.
Edwards has stoked speculation recently that he had plans to launch a bid for the open seat, telling Bloomberg in February, "I'm just figuring out all the legalities and how to set up a super PAC, and then I'm going."
Edwards served two consecutive terms as governor from 1972 to 1980. He was elected to a third term in 1983 and a final term in 1991. The former U.S. Navy aviation cadet and lawyer began his career as a city councilman and state representative before being elected to Congress, and then governor.
Edwards married his third wife, Trina, who is 51 years his junior, shortly after leaving federal prison in 2011. They starred in a short-lived reality TV show "The Governor's Wife" on A&E, chronicling Edwards' post-prison life.
The Republican Party of Louisiana pounced on Edwards' announcement, saying the former governor's tenure brought the state "higher taxes, increased gambling and a culture of corruption that has harmed our image and business climate for decades."
"After failing to recruit credible candidates for multiple election cycles, the Louisiana Democrat Party finally landed a notable candidate for public office. Unfortunately, Edwin Edwards is known for all the wrong reasons. His antics may be fit for a reality show, but not public office," the group said in a statement after the announcement.
From CNN Politics
- Progressive group launches $3.2 million advertising buy to push federal voting law March 23, 2021 11:01 am
- US and allies announce sanctions against Chinese officials for 'serious human rights abuses' against Uyghurs March 23, 2021 10:32 am
- Trump's army takes aim at 2022 touting his election lies March 23, 2021 05:01 am
- Why Republican voter restrictions are a race against time March 23, 2021 04:27 am
- Warnock's seat comes into focus amid battle over voting laws and filibuster rules March 23, 2021 03:06 am
- White House aides prep $3 trillion jobs package for Biden March 23, 2021 02:30 am
Well, the campaign should be interesting. Maybe he and David Vitter can swap notes on how to seek forgiveness from the public.
"I acknowledge that there are good reasons why I should not run."
The "Mark Sandford" effect of politics coming home to roost?
Not shocking at all since the most corrupt politicians hail from Louisiana.
Go away old man, your contribution so far is plenty.
Sorry dude, too many crooks in Congress as it is. You'll never make it. If you switched parties, I'm sure you'd be welcome. The Kocks are going to eat you alive. Remember Weiner??? He didn't even do anything criminal.
And Foxlite, I love your headline.... Funny thing is, I've never seen a repub referred to as an ex-con....
Maybe he can add some "fair & balance" to politics given all the "R"s that have been in the news lately....
This one is too ripe for picking.
I'd vote for the woman in the red dress....
Whatta Twist.
Here in Georgia, an ex-Congressman who should have been a Convict runs for governor. And Wins!
Dutch/Bad Newz aka Take Back The House
Not shocking at all since the most corrupt politicians hail from Louisiana.
Nice statement, but Illionois comes to mind. NY second
The Kingfish lives.
He will not be re-elected. Despite this photo extending outreach to both parties (hot blond-Dems; cross necklace- gop)
Dems tend to not re-elect their ne'er do wells (see spitzer, wiener), however a change in party may just be in order (see sanford)
I see he has his arm candy at the ready ...
Lol, guess electing corrupt politicians is not just for Louisiana anymore
Well when you vote guys like Mark Sanford back into office all you're doing is letting these people know its ok to commit crimes and run for Congress.
Lizzie – a you forgot Florida, (Scott, and Radel,) but the most corrupt has to include Krispy's New Jersey.
A dirty old man and a bleached blonde that looks like an ex-p0rn star. Yuck.
Lizzie – "Not shocking at all since the most corrupt politicians hail from Louisiana."
Yeah, Well, Georgia would give em a run for their money, except our governor defunded the 'Ethics Committee' and blocked the investigations. At least those affecting republicans. They're still corrupt, they just don't get caught.
He's doing it for the free Viagra...
Edwards married his third wife, Trina, who is 51 years his junior, shortly after leaving federal prison in 2011. They starred in a short-lived reality TV show "The Governor's Wife" on A&E, chronicling Edwards' post-prison life.
Maybe Michele Bachmann is right , " The End Times are Near ".
I think both party's are corrupt .
Rep. Edwards or Rep. Cassidy?
*****Edwards 2016*****
Wow, what a joke. Hope dems thumb their nose at this guy.
I'm a democrate and I know the damage one of these convicted FELONS can cause. We have a CONVICTED FELON currently serving as GOP govenor of Florida , Rick Scott who WONT BE REALECTED even WITH CROCH brothers MILLIONS, the GOP CROOKS in Florida are all DONE in November, vote all dem and get rid of these GOP THIEVES!!!!!!
Only in LA.
Hneeds to go hide somewhere with that bleached blonde who looks more like his great granddaughter than wife and wait until he passes so she can take his money.