The race for Louisiana’s 6th District Congressional seat is giving new meaning to the phrase “jungle primary.” There are a total of 13 competitors in the race; nine Republicans, one Libertarian, and three Democrats, including everyone’s favorite former governor and convicted felon, Edwin Edwards.
Considering that there are no former Klan leaders in the race, there’s no reason to vote for the crook this time around.
There’s an understanding that American politics have become a laughing stock mired with corruption, shady back-room deals and representatives with little to no understanding of the word “ethics.”
This has created a nationwide cynicism towards our political system, and has spawned movements such as the Tea Party and Occupy Movement. There is also an increasing desire for Congressional term limits, as to put an end to the reign of career politicians, which are often seen as one of the main problems in our republic.
There are few politicians who represent the increasingly corrupt nature of our government more than Edwin Edwards.
After serving four terms as governor of Louisiana, which is far too long for any one person to be in power, Edwards was found guilty on 17 of the counts for which he was indicted, including racketeering, extortion and fraud.
Some people say he was a decent governor, but from the sound of it, he would have made a great Al Capone opposite Kevin Costner in “The Untouchables.”
Now, I can see why voting for Edwards could be an attractive option. The name recognition alone would put the 6th District on the map. I can already see Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert putting sets together lampooning the district. There would also be considerable nostalgia for anyone born before 1973 in seeing the Cajun Prince’s name back on the ballot.
Working for the Paul Dietzel campaign, I was actually able to meet the former governor recently on campus, and was unsurprised to see that he still had the charm that he is so renowned for.
He’s also the only viable candidate the Democrats have at their disposal. Now, I know all the focus is on Mary Landrieu struggling to stay in power, but the fact that the Democrats could not find someone without a criminal record that could poll over 30 percent is just pathetic. A particular letter behind someone’s name is not a good enough reason to vote for them. The same was true of David Duke, who defeated Buddy Roemer to face Edwards in the 1991 gubernatorial runoff.
Then again, maybe Democrats know there is no way Edwards will ever hold this congressional seat. After all, it is one of the most conservative districts out of all 435 in the United States. Maybe the goal is to use Edwards’ name recognition to get Democrats out to the polls, so they can attempt to boost Landrieu over the top. Questions about her residency and use of taxpayer funds for campaign-related travel are beginning to catch up with her.
Regardless, I cannot think of one good, valid reason to vote for Edwards. With the state our country is in, we need a representative that will look out for the best interests of the district, not one with a history of looking out for the best interests of his pocket book and those of his friends. We can use the election on Nov. 4 to completely reject the politics of the past.
Seriously, don’t vote for the crook. It’s far too important.
Ryan McGehee is a 21-year-old political science and history major from Zachary, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter at @JRyanMcGehee.
Edwin Edwards poses with a student at LSU's College Democrats table during the Student Involvement Fair Wednesday September 3, 2014.
