Former Louisiana Governor and convicted felon Edwin Edwards made a dramatic return to Louisiana politics Monday, as he announced his run for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District at the Baton Rouge Press Club’s weekly meeting.
Flanked by dozens of cameras, with Louisiana’s media elite looking on, Edwards quoted a Latin phrase and compared himself to Julius Caesar crossing the river Rubicon.
“Alea iacta est,” Edwards declared after his announcement. “The die is cast.”
Edwards’ announcement comes mere weeks after he revealed his intentions to run for Congress to Bloomberg View, then denied the report later the same day.
Edwards, 86, who served eight years in federal prison for racketeering and extortion and was released in 2011, was the state’s longest-serving executive. He was elected governor a total of four terms between 1972 and 1996.
Edwards was recently featured in a short-lived reality show featuring his 35-year-old wife.
Edwards addressed the elephant in the room as soon as he stepped up to the podium, referencing his criminal past at the beginning of his remarks.
“I haven’t had this much attention since the trial,” Edwards said.
Edwards also refused to acknowledge his candidacy as an embarrassment to the state and even said his congressional bid is something Louisiana should be proud of.
“Forgiveness, understanding and second chances are important in life and politics,” Edwards said.
Robert Mann, University political communications professor, predicts bleak prospects for Edwards’ campaign.
Mann said Edwards would make it to the runoff election, but said there is “no chance whatsoever” Edwards will win the race.
Mann also said any attempt on behalf of the Edwards campaign to change public perception surrounding the candidate would be in vain.
“Those opinions are set in concrete,” Mann said.
“The die is cast.”
Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards announces he will run for U.S. representative of the Sixth Congressional District on Monday, March 17, 2014 during The Press Club of Baton Rouge luncheon at the Iberville room of The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel.
