Ringside Politics With A Punch

October 30, 2009…Having covered Louisiana politics for many years, I have met countless politicians in our state. Sadly, many of them are known liars, completely dishonorable, egotistical and just plain selfish. Governor Dave Treen was a different type of politician. He was a true gentleman, a person of strong conviction who was willing to extend the hand of friendship to everyone.

On Thursday morning, Treen passed away at the age of 81 after battling a respiratory illness for a number of months. It is a true loss for our state and our country. Dave Treen was an honorable public servant; a man of integrity and honesty who served the people of Louisiana with distinction.

Public servants like Dave Treen are quite uncommon indeed. Not many people would spend their final years working to gain the release from federal prison of Edwin Edwards, a former political opponent. Edwards did not have a more influential or persuasive advocate. Even though he was ridiculed and mocked by Edwards in numerous political campaigns, Treen showed true forgiveness, a commodity in short supply in the political world.

What is very unusual about this outreach is that Edwards is a staunch Democrat and Treen was the most important figure in the history of the Louisiana Republican Party. Treen was the first Louisiana Republican post Reconstruction to be elected to Congress and as Governor of our state. 

Treen was responsible for the growth of the Republican Party in Louisiana, taking it from the “phone booth” to parity with the Democrats. In fact, in many respects, the Louisiana Republican Party is stronger than the state Democratic Party today and that was unthinkable when Treen began his political career and there were only 10,000 Republicans in the state. The GOP owes a debt of gratitude to Treen who laid the groundwork for the future success of the party.

In 1979, Treen shocked the political world and defeated a staple of strong Democratic candidates to become Governor. In office, he appointed more African Americans to state government positions than any other Governor in state history. He established stronger certification requirements for state teachers and launched the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. Unfortunately, he was continually thwarted by supporters of Edwin Edwards who controlled key positions in state government and in the Legislature. In 1983, Edwards easily defeated Treen and denied him a second term as Governor

In 1999, Treen lost a bid to return to Congress, defeated by David Vitter in a bitter run-off election. Afterwards, the political fire was still burning within him and he entertained the notion of running for other offices. Ultimately, he decided not to partake as a candidate again, although he remained active in politics.

Treen moved to the Northshore, where he was a frequent participant in political functions. Candidates continued to visit the Governor and seek his endorsement, which carried weight with voters who remembered his honorable service and his strong character.

On a personal note, I will truly miss Governor Treen. He was a real friend, who was always willing to be a guest on my programs and provide his keen insight on the important issues facing our state or country.

What was most remarkable about him was not only his sterling character and integrity, but also his positive attitude. Dave Treen displayed a total lack of bitterness, despite the many political setbacks he faced.

Dave Treen was a rare breed in Louisiana politics, a man who never embarrassed the state and served with honor. Overall, he made a very powerful impact on the people of this state and his accomplishments will survive the test of time.

Louisiana will miss you Governor Treen, rest in peace.