Errol Laborde: 12 Similarities Between Bill Jefferson and Edwin Edwards

• Both were born poor in rural Louisiana; Edwards near Marksville, Jefferson near Lake Providence.

• Both grew up ambitious for power and wealth.

• Both are very bright.

• Both had great political skills.

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• Both served as state senators prior to being elected to Congress.

• Both, had they not strayed, could have become prominent in politics at the national level.

• Both, as members of Congress, had suspect dealings with foreign governments that also involved their wives (For the Jeffersons, it was the African telecommunications scheme; in Edwards’ case, rice trade was the focus.  He and his wife Elaine were accused of taking payoffs from a South Korean businessman allegedly trying to bribe American legislators on behalf of the South Korean government.  Edwards eventually admitted that his wife had accepted an envelope containing $10,000, but, he argued, it was just a gift made out of friendship).

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• Both had family members who were indicted in separate cases; Edward’s son Stephen and Jefferson’s brother Mose, and sister Betty.

• Both were caught on surveillance videotape making suspicious financial transactions.

• Both could have done much to help the people of Louisiana.

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• Both did much to help themselves.

• Both are paying for it.

 Let us know what you think. Any comments about this article. Write to errol@myneworleans.com. For the subject line use JEFFERSON/ EDWARDS. All responses are subject to being published, as edited, in this newsletter. Please include your name and location.

 
Krewe: The Early New Orleans Carnival- Comus to Zulu by Errol Laborde is available at all area bookstores. Books can also be ordered via E- mail at gdkrewe@aol.com or (504- 895-2266)

 

WATCH INFORMED SOURCES, FRIDAYS AT 7PM, REPEATED AT 11:30 PM.WYES-TV, CH. 12.  
 
 NOW ON WIST RADIO, 690 AM, THE ERROL LABORDE SHOW, 6PM FRIDAYS; 7AM and 2PM SATURDAYS; 8AM and 5 PM
SUNDAYS. THE PROGRAM IS ALSO STREAMED ON THE WIST WEB SITE.
 

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