There’s something to be said for loyalty. Despite his pending indictment on federal public corruption charges, Rep. William J. Jefferson managed to muster up enough votes Saturday to come in first in the primary. He now faces a runoff in the November general election. The FBI raided his homes in New Orleans and D.C. on Aug. 3, 2005. In 2006, he won re-election and several months later he was indicted. He has yet to go to trial.
By Kevin McGill
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Rep. William Jefferson overcame the stigma of a federal bribery indictment in Louisiana’s Democratic primary on Saturday, garnering enough votes in his New Orleans-based congressional district to secure a spot in a Nov. 4 runoff.
Jefferson, seeking his 10th term in Congress, faces a December trial on charges that he took bribes, laundered money and misused his congressional office for business dealings in Africa.
With about 72 percent of the vote counted, Jefferson was leading with 25 percent of the vote and appeared headed toward a runoff, most likely with former broadcaster Helena Moreno.
Jefferson sounded confident as he addressed a few dozen family members and supporters at a restaurant in eastern New Orleans. “We look forward to a rigorous campaign but a successful outcome,” Jefferson said.
For Full Story
Updated Election Story (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
The Politics Of A Unique Contest (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
