Those 'good old days' are gone
by JIM BEAM - The American Press (excerpt)

Leading members of the state Democratic Party gathered at a New Orleans hotel last weekend in a lastditch effort to revive their sagging political fortunes by trying to polish the tarnished image of their former savior. The Over the Hill Gang is pinning its hopes on Edwin W. Edwards, who 1 spent the last 8 /2 years in federal prison. The former governor continues to profess his innocence despite the overwhelming evidence that put him in prison for 11 counts of racketeering, fraud and extortion.

Edwards still has the charisma that helped him become the only Louisiana governor to serve four terms. However, like those who were reduced to telling suggestive stories about Edwards’ sexual exploits, the former governor’s glory days are long gone. Political commentator John Maginnis pretty well summed that up in his syndicated column. He talked about a young man at a New Orleans bar hearing Edwards’ name being mentioned. “Without looking up, the bartender’s kid said, ‘Who’s he?’ ” Maginnis said.

Try as they might, the Over the Hill Gang will find Edwards’ popularity will eventually fade into the background. It’s a new and captivating experience at the moment for those desperate for a return to power, but it won’t last. Edwards said as much when he talked about how much Louisiana has changed. “It’s not Louisiana. It’s some other state,” he said. Yes, it is. Those who have governed since Edwards have helped us slowly break from the past and improve our political image. We aren’t there yet, but we will eventually make it if we keep our skirts clean. Edwards is a novelty right now, a relic from the past trying to relive history. It’s wishful thinking that is going nowhere. His time has come and gone, and Louisiana is a better place than it was in his heyday.