The ex-governor of Louisiana announced on Monday that he plans on running for Congress, POLITICO reported.
Edwin Edwards, a Democrat, made his announcement at a Baton Rouge Press Club meeting following months of speculation.
"I've given a great deal of thought to do this, I've read articles from pundits ... and I acknowledge there are good reasons why I should not run," Edwards said. "But there are better reasons why I should, and good reasons should give way to better reasons. Therefore I will be a candidate for Congress from the 6th Congressional District this year."
The "good reasons" why he should not run is most likely referring to his criminal past. In 2001, Edwards was convicted of money laundering, conspiracy, and racketeering charges and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. In February 2013, he was released early from his parole.
"I haven't had this much attention since the trial," Edwards told reporters at the press club.
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 ended after three weeks. It followed him, his wife, and their son, Eli.
Edwards will be competing to the fill the seat of Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who is running for U.S. Senate.
At a Louisiana State University event in October, 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."
Following news of his announcement, the Louisiana GOP released a statement condemning his candidacy.
"The Edwards Administration brought Louisiana higher taxes, increased gambling and a culture of corruption that has harmed our image and business climate for decades. The days of Huey Long and Edwards style politics are behind us. Gov. Edwards is the poster child for the 'good 'ole boy' way of doing things," the statement read.
"Given the current state of the Louisiana Democrat Party, we shouldn't be surprised by the Edwards candidacy. Edwin Edwards is the personification of the Louisiana Democrat Party.
"As a state, we've moved beyond those days and we should not look back now. We'll work tirelessly in the months to come to make sure that a conservative Republican is elected to serve the people of the Sixth Congressional District."
