Former Governor Buddy Roemer Passes Away

Do you remember the "Roemer Revolution"? Buddy Roemer served as Louisiana's Governor between 1988 and 1992.

One of Louisiana's former Governor's has died according to the Advocate. Buddy Roemer was 77-years-old.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says,

Buddy's election as governor signaled a turning point in Louisiana's history. He loved Louisiana, contributing to it through the public and private sector. He leaves a great legacy. My condolences to his family.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy said the following:

Louisiana weeps. Buddy was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He was immeasurably talented. All he ever wanted to do was make Louisiana better, and he did. That meant making the right people mad, but he understood that. When I count my blessings. I count Buddy twice. More than anything, Buddy loved his family. Becky and I are honored to count his family and loved ones as our friends. We are so sad to lose this Louisiana warrior, and we are praying for everyone who was blessed to know and love him.

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer has died at 77 after a long battle with diabetes.

Roemer's son Chas Roemer says his father died Monday morning at his home in Baton Rouge, surrounded by family.

Roemer was a conservative Democratic congressman from north Louisiana when he entered the 1987 governor’s race and ousted Edwin Edwards.

There were legislative battles over budgets, tax matters and abortion.

Roemer’s veto of an abortion ban that he said didn’t have adequate exceptions for rape and incest victims was overridden in 1991.

Roemer became a Republican that year. He lost a re-election battle in a divided field.

Edwards and former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke wound up in a runoff that Edwards easily won.

All contents © copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

According to the Advocate, Buddy Roemer was at one percent in the polls when he declared his candidacy for Governor.

Roemer was a Democrat, but he switched to the Republican Party. He had a difficult time dealing with the Louisiana Legislature in getting many of his initiatives passed.

Author Tyler Bridge, from the Advocate, explains what happened, in part, with Roemer's issues in with legislators:

......over time, a quirky, mercurial side of Romer emerged, one that mystified friends. (Governor Edwin) Edwards and his political allies had a ready explanation. They spread the word to voters that he was arrogant, snide and sanctimonious.

Roemer was successful with giving Louisiana teachers a pay raise.

Current Governor John Bel Edwards had the following to say:

“From the fields of Scopena to the halls of Congress and then the Governor’s Mansion, Buddy Roemer proudly represented the state he so dearly loved. His astute intellect led him to enter Harvard at the young age of 16, but he still returned to Louisiana, driven by a desire to serve. I am especially grateful for the balanced, pragmatic approach he took as governor during a turbulent time for our state’s budget. I hope that we will all carry on his legacy by espousing his positive, passionate approach to public service. Donna and I ask that you join your prayers to ours in praying for Gov. Roemer’s family and friends during this difficult time.”