POLI 2056 : Exam 2, Lecture 10
Document Summary
1971/1972-edwin edwards elected fall of 71, began in 72. There was brief window in the 70s right after the civil rights act (64) and voting act (64) of racial harmony in the south. Edwin edwards ran as a black white coalition democrat; new south bringing the races together democrat. Once in office, he was clear about not dropping it then; put african americans into high offices. Made sure speaker of house was an african american. He was for this because he was the first cajun governor (from acadiana) Also brought women into key positions of power. What was interesting about his initial election, republicans were still minor players; democrats were still dominant. Wasn"t until 80s republicans emerged as important players. Gillis long was edwards" major opponent in first election. Bennett johnston was his opponent in the runoff; was more of a reformist. He was more the mold of what republicans would eventually become.
