Edwards, Roemer, Foster and Blanco share stories in Baton Rouge
Louisiana's four living former governors traded stories about their combined 30 years in the state's top leadership post, defended their performances and offered suggestions at a rare public gathering together.
Former Govs. Edwin Edwards, Buddy Roemer, Mike Foster and Kathleen Blanco spoke to a packed house at the annual meeting of the nonpartisan Council for a Better Louisiana.
Edwards described the governor as the "central focus of power'' in Louisiana. Foster and Blanco worried about the encroachment of partisanship into state politics. Roemer talked of a need for more legislative independence.
Each described tumultuous times in office, from financial meltdowns during Roemer's tenure to hurricanes Katrina and Rita for Blanco.
Asked what he missed, Foster said the helicopters. Edwards said he'd like to be governor again.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
