The former Louisiana governor who served 10 years in prison for racketeering might be considering a run for Congress, USA TODAY reported.
Democrat Edwin Edwards, 86, said he did not "have any comment at the time" regarding a report in The Hayride, a conservative website, that says he's exploring a bid for the state's 6th district. The report mentioned his daughter, Anna, was encouraging the discussion.
The district is currently filled by Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Edwards, who served in Congress from 1965 to 1972, told The Times Picayune that he has received "a lot of encouragement" from supporters who want him in office again. However, he mentioned it would be "a while" until an official decision was made.
The former lawmaker and his wife, Trina -- who was his pen pal while in prison and is 50 years younger -- were featured in a reality television show on A&E, called "The Governor's Wife," that recently ended after three weeks. It followed him, his wife, and their son, Eli.
Though convicted felons can serve in Congress, Louisiana's Constitution states that they can't run for statewide office unless they're pardoned by the governor or 15 years have passed since their prison term ended. Edwards was paroled in February 2013.
If he is able to enter the race, he will face off against at least six other candidates including Republicans Dan Claitor, a state senator, Paul Dietzel, a businessman, and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins.
At a Louisiana State University even in October, the Edwards reportedly said "... I love this state and I think I could do better than what has been done. And if I saw the opportunity and I thought that people would warm up to it, I would consider it."
In 2001, Edwards was convicted of money laundering, conspiracy, and racketeering charges and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. In February, he was released early from his parole.
