Interdisciplinary studies senior Jon Grace and political science senior Dylan LeBlanc intern for one of Louisiana’s most infamous politicians, Edwin Edwards, as he runs for Congress in Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District.
Grace became interested in the Edwards campaign while researching internships this past summer to fulfill a course credit.
Grace said he went into the campaign unaware of most of Edwards’ history but knew enough to realize Edwards has plenty of political experience, reaffirmed by the Louisiana Democratic Party’s endorsement of Edwards.
“I’m trying to put myself in more situations where I can learn Louisiana [politics],” Grace said.
Grace said he has interacted with Edwards on only a few occasions because the former four-term governor is busy attending events and speaking to voters.
Edwards accompanied the interns for dinner at a restaurant in Thibodaux, where Grace recalled other customers reacting to Edwards as if he were a celebrity.
“Everybody — from babies to grandparents — wanted to come and take a picture with him and talk to him,” Grace said.
Although Edwards holds celebrity status among many Louisianians, Grace said Edwards is more humble than one would assume.
LeBlanc echoed the sentiment.
“[Edwards] is a very charismatic and caring individual,” LeBlanc said.
When leaving the Student Union this summer, LeBlanc stopped by the College Democrats table, where students were asked to intern for Sen. Mary Landrieu’s campaign.
Instead, LeBlanc spoke with an intern for the Edwards campaign who encouraged him to join the team. LeBlanc said he was familiar with the campaign because his parents, although they are Republicans, are fans of Edwards.
Both LeBlanc and Grace are unfazed by Edwards’ time in prison. LeBlanc said he holds nothing against Edwards because of his record as governor coupled with all the good he did for the state.
Edwards’ age is not a negative factor, LeBlanc said — he thinks it shows experience and knowledge.
Grace said he hopes his work will close the generational divide between young voters and Edwards.
LeBlanc said Edwards is a voice of a younger generation.
“He’s a voice of our generation, of a young uprising generation, a generation I consider myself to be a part of,” LeBlanc said.