Gov. Edwards Testifies He Bribed No One

Louisiana Gov. Edwin W. Edwards testified today in his federal racketeering trial that he bribed no one, hid nothing and took pains to see that his role in a $10-million hospital investment venture was perfectly legal.

Under questioning from his lawyer, James Neal, Edwards said his investments in the allegedly illegal hospital projects were made after the end of his second term as governor in 1980 and before the start of his third term in March, 1984.

“There was no question in my mind that as a private citizen I was authorized to do exactly what I did,” Edwards said. He acknowledged making about $1.9 million on the deals.

Edwards and seven others are accused of abusing the state’s health care system to make sure hospital and nursing home projects in which they held interests were certified by the state.