Edwin Edwards, The Larger-Than-Life Former Louisiana Governor, Dies At 93
Edwards was the last in a long line of colorful populist Democrats who once dominated Louisiana politics. He served four terms as governor, and did federal prison time on a corruption conviction.
A populist firebrand of Louisiana politics has died. Four-term Democratic Gov. Edwin Edwards, who also served prison time for corruption, died Monday at his home in Gonzales, La. He was 93. A statement from his family said he'd been in hospice care for the past week with respiratory problems.
Edwards was the last of the larger-than-life populists who once dominated Louisiana politics. He built his career on political patronage, public works and sheer force of personality.
"I'm of the people. I'm common.," he said at age 87, employing his wayward charm trying to stage a political comeback.
