Former Gov. Edwin Edwards Keeping Quiet On Possible Congressional Run

Rumors persist after several media outlets reported Thursday that former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards is contemplating a run for the United States Congress.

According to a "trusted source" at the Hayride, a conservative blog that follows Louisiana politics, Edwards may decide to run for the the state's 6th Congressional District. That seat is in play because U.S. Representative Bill Cassidy, who currently holds that seat, is running against U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu in the November 2014 elections.

The Hayride's source said Edwards "believes the field for the 6th District race is a weak one and can be beaten."

Responding to a question from NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, Edwards said he has received "a lot of encouragement" from supporters, but "I don't have any comment at this time."

The 86-year-old former governor was released from federal prison two years ago after serving time for bribery, racketeering, and extortion. State law prevents him from running for statewide office without a pardon, but no such law prevents him for running for national office.

Shortly after his release from prison, Edwards commented on the current political scene, saying state Democrats could attract voters again, but they needed to move toward the center.