Alexander keynotes 18th Political Hall of Fame By James Ronald Skains "Those who are elected to office are a direct reflection on how we all practice our citizenship of participating in the election process," Congressman Rodney Alexander told those in attendance at the 18th Annual Louisiana Political Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet held in Winnfield on January 30, 2010. Alexander, who headlined the 2010 Hall of Fame event, was first elected to Congress in 2002 by a mere 700 votes in a twenty-five parish election. Later, Alexander was re-elected in 2004, 2006, and 2008 and is now the "Dean" of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation. He will face re-election in November of this year. Alexander is somewhat of an oddity in Louisiana politics having switched political parties after being first elected as a Democrat. Congressman Alexander had previously told the Piney Woods Journal. "When I first went to Congress, I quickly learned what partisan politics were all about. In Congress, as you go into the chamber to vote, a member of your political party is standing at the door and gives you a slip of paper telling you how the party wants you to vote. You can tell how important the vote is to the party by who in the party leadership is handing out the recommended voting slip at the door," Congressman Alexander previously pointed out to the Journal. "Sometimes, your party will allow you to vote on legislation as you think is best for your District; however, on a strict party line vote, if you cross the line, you are in trouble." "I crossed over the line a few times too many, and needless to say, I got both a 'tongue lashing' and a finger pointing in my face from Nancy Pelosi," Congressman Alexander emphasized. "I decided that I did not need any more tongue lashings and people telling me how to vote in representing the people of my District, so I switched political parties," Congressman Alexander pointed out. "I was always a Conservative Democrat so I thought that I could best represent the wishes of the people of the 5th district by switching political parties. Now, politics in Congress is more of a blood sport that ever before," Congressman Alexander noted to those in attendance at the January 30th event. "But I do thank you for this honor of being inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman." Louisiana, like all other states in the Union, is facing redistricting after the 2010 census. Speculation in political circles is that due to a stagnant population growth, Louisiana may lose a Congressional seat. Three new awards were presented at this year's ceremony. The Founders Award went to Max Kelly, former Mayor of Winnfield from 1982 to 1990 for his inspiration and creativity in the formation of the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame. His sons accepted the award on his behalf which was presented by Dorman Guilliams. Receiving the Governor's Award for his many years of dedicated and untiring service to the Louisiana Museum and Hall of Fame since 1992 was George Harrel. The corporate Award was presented to AT&T in appreciation of their continued support of the Museum and annual event. Special recognition was given to 94 year old Pap Dean who was in attendance. "Pap," a longtime political cartoonist for Louisiana newspapers was a member of the inaugural induction class to the Political Hall of Fame in 1993. \par }{\plain Entertaining the crowd at the banquet was "Little Roy Lewis" and his Bluegrass and Gospel band. Lewis also received the Friend of Jimmie Davis Award. Lewis first met Jimmie Davis in 1953 at the Augusta's, Georgia Bell Auditorium. For many years thereafter, the Lewis Bluegrass and Gospel Band performed with Jimmie Davis in numerous concerts around the country. "Little Roy Lewis" has been recognized by USA Today as one of the three best banjo players in the world. "Little Roy" not only played the banjo and sang during his time on stage at the Hall of Fame event, but he delighted the attendees with his fake rendition of a wild trombone player. Also, Little Roy Lewis, all of 60 inches tall, and his band closed out the 2010 edition of the Political Hall of Fame banquet with a rousing bluegrass rendition of Jimmie Davis immortal song, "You are My Sunshine." This honor normally falls to Ted Jones, longtime board member of the Hall of Fame Foundation and personal friends with both former Governor Jimmie Davis and former Governor Earl K. Long. However, Jones was unable to attend this year because of health problems. Another highlight of the 2010 Hall of Fame event was the attendance of Leo Honeycutt, the author of the 546 page authorized auto-biography of former Governor Edwin Edwards. Honeycutt held book signings at both the reception at the Museum and later at the Induction Banquet. Needless to say, Honeycutt stayed very busy signing books about a member of the first Inductee Class of the Hall of Fame in 1993. Other Piney Woods rooted politicians inducted were Randy Ewing of Jonesboro and Charlton Lyons of Shreveport. Lyons, known as the father of the Republican Party in Louisiana, taught school in Glenmora for one year before moving to Pollock for one year of teaching. After earning a law degree from Tulane University, Lyons opened a law office in Winnfield in 1918. Lyons soon moved his law practice to Shreveport where he became involved in politics and ran unsuccessfully for governor of Louisiana against John McKeithen in 1964. Previous to that, Lyons, an oilman and attorney, ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress. However, Lyons earned his reputation in politics in moving the Republican Party from being known a "phone booth party" (because of its small membership) to a driving force in Louisiana politics. In accepting his induction into the Hall of Fame, Lyon's grand children noted that their grandfather was known as a "good listener, was not opinionated, and was known for his intellectual honesty." The other North Louisiana native was Randy Ewing. Ewing, an LSU graduate in business and finance, served for 12 years in the Louisiana State Senate from 1988 to 2000. From 1996 to 2000, Ewing served as Senate President under Governor Mike Foster. Ewing, a second generation timber-man served as President of the Louisiana Forestry Association. He also served as Chairman of the Louisiana Forestry Commission. Although retired from public service, Ewing is still active in the forest industry. The other three inductees were from south Louisiana. One, Billy Nungesser, was a prominent Republican going all the way back to his entry level in political as a precinct leader for Dwight Eisenhower in New Orleans. Billy Nungesser was a five time delegate to Republican national conventions and was State Chairman in 1988 when the national Convention was held in his hometown of New Orleans. In 1980 when Dave Treen became the first Republican Governor of Louisiana in the 20th century, Nungesser became Treens's chief of staff and executive secretary. During his service to Governor Treen, Nungesser donated all his salary to children's charities. Risley "Pappy" Triche was a lifelong resident of Assumption Parish. He got his start in politics as an alderman in Napoleonville. He later served as Mayor of Napoleonville before being elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1956 where he served four terms. During his career in the House, he served as floor leader for former Governor Jimmie Davis and former Governor Edwin Edwards. Triche, an LSU Law School graduate also was elected president of the LSU Law School class. He was known as an expert on Louisiana law. Sammy Nunez, a former president of the Louisiana Senate was on hand to receive his induction award. Nunez was first elected state representative in St. Bernard Parish in 1964. Later he moved up to the Louisiana Senate where her served from 1969 to 1996. During those 27 years in the Senate, 13 years were served as Senate president. Nunez has served a member of the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans since 2002. At the conclusion of the 2010 Louisiana Political Hall of Induction banquet there were 125 members of the Hall of Fame. Who will be added in 2011? It's anyone's guess but stay tuned to the Piney Woods Journal to find out. |