Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Washington, D.C.

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1985-03-29

Duration: 00:27:37

Subjects: Politics | Government | United States. Congress | Long, Russell B. | Moore, W. Henson, 1939- | Roemer, Buddy | Breaux, John B. | Elections, 1986 | Livingston, Robert L., 1943- | Johnston, J. Bennett (John Bennett), 1932- | Tauzin, Billy, 1943- | Boggs, Lindy, 1916-2013 | Huckaby, Jerry | Gray, William H., III

Contributors:

• Johnson, Ken Host
• Ekings, Robyn Host
• Long, Russell Interviewee
• Moore, Henson Interviewee
• Roemer, Buddy Interviewee
• Breaux, John Interviewee
• Livingston, Bob Interviewee
• Johnston, J. Bennett Interviewee
• Tauzin, Billy Interviewee
• Boggs, Lindy Interviewee
• Huckaby, Jerry Interviewee
• Gray, William Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” from March 29, 1985, features a special report by Robyn Ekings and Ken Johnson from Washington, D.C., on the Louisiana Congressional Delegation’s thoughts on Louisiana’s changing political climate following the death of Congressman Gillis Long, the pending retirement of United States Senator Russell Long, and the indictment of Governor Edwin Edwards. Ekings first reports on Senator Russell Long’s decision to retire at the end of his term and the upcoming 1986 election to fill his seat. She interviews: Senator Long; Congressman Henson Moore, a candidate in the 1986 Senate election; Congressman Buddy Roemer, a possible candidate; and Congressman John Breaux, a possible candidate. Next, Johnson reports on the efforts of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to combat the state’s negative national image following the indictment of Governor Edwards, the state’s history of political corruption, the financial failure of the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, and the possible relocation of the New Orleans Saints. His report includes highlights of a speech given by Congressman Roemer on the House floor highlighting the positive aspects of Louisiana. Johnson also interviews: Congressman Bob Livingston; United States Senator J. Bennett Johnston; Congressman Billy Tauzin; Congresswoman Lindy Boggs; and Congressman Jerry Huckaby. Lastly, Ekings profiles Congressman William Gray of Pennsylvania, the new chairman of the House Budget Committee. Gray, a native of Baton Rouge, discusses his childhood memories of growing up in Louisiana.