Flamboyant former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards dies at 93
Flamboyant former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards dies at age 93. His biographer, Leo Honeycutt, said the cause of death was respiratory failure.
First elected governor in 1971, Edwards was one of the more colorful characters in politics in the 20th century who may be best known for his 1991 gubernatorial campaign slogan "Vote For the Crook. It's Important."
It was a race in which he beat Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke.
Following that stint in office - his last of four terms as governor - Edwards served eight years in jail on racketeering charges.
"I have lived a good life, had better breaks than most, had some bad breaks, too, but that's all part of it," Edwards said at his home in Gonzales, LA.
At: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/07/12/governor-edwin-edwards-Louisiana-dead/4121626109802/
Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, during his 1975 re-election campaign with singers Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride.
"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."