The Nation - News from Dec. 12, 1985

Jurors in New Orleans began deliberations in the trial of Gov. Edwin W. Edwards on 50 counts of racketeering, mail and wire fraud, one of the most publicized trials in Louisiana’s colorful political history. Edwards arrived at court saying that he is confident he will be acquitted, and added, “I am anxious for the verdict.” During the last 13 weeks, the federal government has been trying to prove that Edwards and four others used their influence to illegally obtain state certificates for hospital and nursing home projects in which they held an interest.