Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, who had served an eight-year prison term on racketeering charges, said on Monday he will seek election to the U.S. Congress.
The 86-year-old Democrat, who was released from prison about three years ago, will campaign for the seat currently held by Republican Bill Cassidy, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
“I’ve given a great deal of thought to this … and I acknowledge that there are good reasons why I should not run … but there are better reasons why I should,” Edwards told reporters at the press club in Baton Rouge, part of the district he is seeking to represent.
“I haven’t had this much attention since the trial,” he quipped.
Edwards said he is eligible to run for the U.S. House seat because nothing in the U.S. Constitution precludes a felon from becoming a member of Congress.
Well, shame might give someone pause about jumping back into that kind of media spotlight. But we’re talking about a Democrat here. This is kind of their thing, especially in Illinois.
Look for a Ray Nagin presidential run in 15-20 years, depending on the parole board.
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