Louisiana politics has fascinated me ever since I was old enough to vote. The parade of colorful and controversial characters through Louisiana's political history could never be called boring: Huey "Kingfish" Long, Earl Long, Edwin Edwards, David Duke. Now the new generation makes it mark: Livingson, Jefferson & Vitter.
Of course, the fact of scandal is never surprising. What's interesting to me, however, is how the different politicians responded to the scandals. Let's peruse some examples.
Governor Earl Long was committed to a mental hospital for "eccentric" behavior. While institutionalized, he kept running government (by phone), fired the head of the state hospital system, and then appointed someone who would release him. Now where are problem-solvers like that today?
Governor Edwin Edwards was a master of the one-liner, and a consumate entertainer. I will never forget one of his finest moments in scandal-response. Stay with me while I set the stage. Edwards faced the proposition of a run-off election against ex-KKK Grand Wizard David Duke. Edwards was at the same time plauged by allegations of extra-marital affairs. One reporter asked him if he was worried about the opposition from Duke. Without a pause, Edwards quipped that he had no worries about Duke, because HE was the real wizard underneath the sheets. Somehow, once he made you laugh, the alleged scandals were forgotten. Unfortunately, Edwards later violated a cardinal rule... thou shalt not thumb thy nose at the Federal Prosecutor. They eventually got him and he is doing time.
These new politicians lack the master's touch. Former U.S. Rep. Livingston merely resigned at the approach of alleged sexual scandal, although I suppose he deserves some moral points for that. U.S. Rep. William "Cold Cash" Jefferson understandably made like a clam after last month's 16 count indictment involving $90,000 in highly questionable cash found in his freezer. However, he had the gumption (if you want to call it that) to keep his seat while he fights the charges. You have to give him some credit for winning re-election after his alleged scandal broke. Ex-D.C. Mayor Marion Barry would be proud.
U.S. Senator David "Family Values" Vitter recently took an interesting Jimmy Swaggart-style "I have sinned" approach to his alleged sexual scandal, combined with a Cheney-esque attack the accusers twist. The best defense is a good offense? He plans to keep his congressional seat and ride out the storm.
The scandal response playbook now seems to have several options. It will be interesting to see how Jefferson and Vitter fare. Cold Cash Willie is actually in the hotter water, as he faces multiple serious federal indictments. Vitter lucks out in that his alleged hanky-panky with women of negotiable virtue may not subject him to criminal prosecution, because statutes of limitations may have run out on the alleged crimes. Will his Swaggart/Cheney gambit work on the public? It will be interesting to see.
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