Edmund Reggie
Encyclopedia
Edmund M. Reggie, Sr. is a Democratic
politician
and former city judge
from Louisiana
. Reggie is originally from the rice-growing city of Crowley
, the seat of Acadia Parish, but resides in Lafayette
. He still claims that he maintains the record of being the youngest person to serve as a judge in American history. He is one of the most influential and powerful Democrats to have come from the state of Louisiana.
Reggie is married to the former Doris Boustany, the daughter of businessman Frem F. Boustany, Sr. (1903–1993), and the former Beatrice Joseph (1912–1988), who was born in Crowley, reared in Houston
, and settled in Lafayette after her marriage. Beatrice Boustany was a cousin
of Amin Gemayel, a former president of Lebanon
. Reggie's brother-in-law, Frem F. Boustany, Jr., a physician
, died two months before his mother, Beatrice.
Reggie was a confidant of former Governor
Edwin Washington Edwards, who also began his political career in Crowley.
) in 1946 and a law degree from the Tulane University Law School
in 1949.
Reggie served as acting judge for ailing Crowley City Judge Denis T. Canan, who also was his law partner. When Canan died in 1950, Reggie was appointed by Governor Earl Kemp Long to Canan's seat (fulfilling what was said to be Canan's dying wish). Appointed at the age of 24, he was reputed to be America's youngest judge at that time. Reggie held the post for 25 years, until 1976.
, with the Louisiana and Massachusetts state delegations sitting across the aisle from each other, he brokered the delegation's support for Massachusetts senator John F. Kennedy
for Vice President (on a ticket with Adlai Stevenson), rather than Senator Estes Kefauver
(who was preferred by Louisiana Governor Earl Long
)
For the 1960 US Presidential Election, Reggie was a leader in John F. Kennedy's Louisiana campaign, starting with his 1959 invitation of Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, to attend the International Rice Festival
in Crowley as honored guests, affording Kennedy the opportunity to address a crowd of 130,000 people. where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds—the largest JFK addressed prior to his Democratic presidential nomination
in July 1960. Reggie was nominated as Presidential Elector in Louisiana for the Democratic ticket of John F. Kennedy-Lyndon B. Johnson
, and served as elector when Kennedy won the statewide popular vote. Other Democratic electors that year were Louisiana Attorney General Jack P.F. Gremillion
, former U.S. Senator William C. Feazel
, former State Senator Frank Burton Ellis
of Covington
, and Leon Gary of Houma
, later director of the Louisiana Department of Public Works.
Following his inauguration, President Kennedy sent Reggie on a 1961 State Department cultural exchange to the Middle East where in Lebanon
he was given a hero's welcome in his parents' hometown of Ihden. Reggie continued to serve the president as liaison with Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis
from 1961 until JFK's death
in 1963.
In 1968, Judge Reggie was responsible for spearheading Louisiana's Democratic Party in Robert Kennedy's campaign for the President of the United States. During that campaign, Reggie was responsibe for inviting Robert Kennedy to speak at the 1968 International Rice Festival in October of that year, just as Kennedy's brother John had done nine years earlier. As history unfolded, Robert Kennedy was unfortunately assassinated in June 1968, just four months prior to his planned appearance at the International Rice Festival.
, one of the more conservative candidates in the crowded field. At the time Reggie erroneously considered Edwards unelectable. The decision hampered their relationship, and the two did not speak for three years."
In 1992, his daughter, Victoria
, married U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts
. Reggie’s close relationship with son-in-law Ted Kennedy was evidenced occasionally in the press.
In 1993, Reggie was convicted of misapplication of funds (a felony
) and was sentenced to 120 days of home confinement and a $30,000 fine.
In 2004, Reggie was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame
in Winnfield, Louisiana
.
In May 2008, the Louisiana Department of Culture and Tourism declared the location where JFK delivered his 1959 International Rice Festival speech in Crowley as an area of historical significance, and erected a historical marker.
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and former city judge
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
from Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. Reggie is originally from the rice-growing city of Crowley
Crowley, Louisiana
Crowley is a city in and the parish seat of Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 14,225 at the 2000 census. The city is noted for its annual International Rice Festival. Crowley has the nickname of "Rice Capital of America", because at one time it was a major center for...
, the seat of Acadia Parish, but resides in Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette is a city in and the parish seat of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, United States, on the Vermilion River. The population was 120,623 at the 2010 census...
. He still claims that he maintains the record of being the youngest person to serve as a judge in American history. He is one of the most influential and powerful Democrats to have come from the state of Louisiana.
Reggie is married to the former Doris Boustany, the daughter of businessman Frem F. Boustany, Sr. (1903–1993), and the former Beatrice Joseph (1912–1988), who was born in Crowley, reared in Houston
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
, and settled in Lafayette after her marriage. Beatrice Boustany was a cousin
Cousin
In kinship terminology, a cousin is a relative with whom one shares one or more common ancestors. The term is rarely used when referring to a relative in one's immediate family where there is a more specific term . The term "blood relative" can be used synonymously and establishes the existence of...
of Amin Gemayel, a former president of Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. Reggie's brother-in-law, Frem F. Boustany, Jr., a physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
, died two months before his mother, Beatrice.
Reggie was a confidant of former Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
Edwin Washington Edwards, who also began his political career in Crowley.
Birth, education, and judgeship
Reggie was born in Crowley of Lebanese immigrant parents. He received a bachelor's degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette (now the University of Louisiana at LafayetteUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, or UL Lafayette, is a coeducational, public research university located in Lafayette, Louisiana, in the heart of Acadiana...
) in 1946 and a law degree from the Tulane University Law School
Tulane University Law School
Tulane University Law School is the law school of Tulane University. It is located on Tulane's Uptown campus in New Orleans, Louisiana. Established in 1847, it is the 12th oldest law school in the United States....
in 1949.
Reggie served as acting judge for ailing Crowley City Judge Denis T. Canan, who also was his law partner. When Canan died in 1950, Reggie was appointed by Governor Earl Kemp Long to Canan's seat (fulfilling what was said to be Canan's dying wish). Appointed at the age of 24, he was reputed to be America's youngest judge at that time. Reggie held the post for 25 years, until 1976.
Political connection with the Kennedys
At the 1956 Democratic National Convention1956 Democratic National Convention
The 1956 National Convention of the Democratic Party nominated former Governor Adlai Stevenson of Illinois for President and Senator Estes Kefauver of Tennessee for Vice President. It was held in the International Amphitheatre on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois August 13–17 1956. Unsuccessful...
, with the Louisiana and Massachusetts state delegations sitting across the aisle from each other, he brokered the delegation's support for Massachusetts senator John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
for Vice President (on a ticket with Adlai Stevenson), rather than Senator Estes Kefauver
Estes Kefauver
Carey Estes Kefauver July 26, 1903 – August 10, 1963) was an American politician from Tennessee. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the U.S...
(who was preferred by Louisiana Governor Earl Long
Earl Long
Earl Kemp Long was an American politician and the 45th Governor of Louisiana for three non-consecutive terms. Long termed himself the "last of the red hot poppas" of politics, referring to his stump-speaking skills...
)
For the 1960 US Presidential Election, Reggie was a leader in John F. Kennedy's Louisiana campaign, starting with his 1959 invitation of Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, to attend the International Rice Festival
International Rice Festival
The International Rice Festival is an annual festival held during the third weekend in October in Crowley, Louisiana, celebrating rice. The event is Louisiana's oldest agricultural festival, and one of the state's largest...
in Crowley as honored guests, affording Kennedy the opportunity to address a crowd of 130,000 people. where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds—the largest JFK addressed prior to his Democratic presidential nomination
1960 Democratic National Convention
The 1960 Democratic National Convention was held in Los Angeles. In the end, the Kennedy-Johnson ticket was assembled and went on to secure an electoral college victory and a narrow popular vote plurality in the fall over the Republican candidates Richard M...
in July 1960. Reggie was nominated as Presidential Elector in Louisiana for the Democratic ticket of John F. Kennedy-Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
, and served as elector when Kennedy won the statewide popular vote. Other Democratic electors that year were Louisiana Attorney General Jack P.F. Gremillion
Jack P.F. Gremillion
Jack Paul Faustin Gremillion, Sr. , was the Democratic attorney general of Louisiana from 1956-1972. He was a member of the Earl Kemp Long political faction. Though he opposed school desegregation, he was a party loyalist and was an elector for the John F. Kennedy--Lyndon B. Johnson presidential...
, former U.S. Senator William C. Feazel
William C. Feazel
William Crosson Feazel was a short-term United States Senator from Louisiana. Born near Farmerville, the seat of Union Parish, he attended the public schools and engaged as an independent oil and natural gas producer....
, former State Senator Frank Burton Ellis
Frank Burton Ellis
Frank Burton Ellis was a New Orleans, Louisiana, attorney and Democratic politician who served in the Louisiana State Senate, as director of the Office of Civil Defense and Mobilization in the administration of U.S. President John F...
of Covington
Covington, Louisiana
Covington is a city in and the parish seat of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,483 at the 2000 census. It is located at a fork of the Bogue Falaya and the Tchefuncte River....
, and Leon Gary of Houma
Houma, Louisiana
Houma is a city in and the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, and the largest principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city's powers of government have been absorbed by the parish, which is now run by the Terrebonne Parish...
, later director of the Louisiana Department of Public Works.
Following his inauguration, President Kennedy sent Reggie on a 1961 State Department cultural exchange to the Middle East where in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
he was given a hero's welcome in his parents' hometown of Ihden. Reggie continued to serve the president as liaison with Louisiana Governor Jimmie Davis
Jimmie Davis
James Houston Davis , better known as Jimmie Davis, was a noted singer of both sacred and popular songs who served two nonconsecutive terms as the 47th Governor of Louisiana...
from 1961 until JFK's death
John F. Kennedy assassination
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, was assassinated at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas...
in 1963.
In 1968, Judge Reggie was responsible for spearheading Louisiana's Democratic Party in Robert Kennedy's campaign for the President of the United States. During that campaign, Reggie was responsibe for inviting Robert Kennedy to speak at the 1968 International Rice Festival in October of that year, just as Kennedy's brother John had done nine years earlier. As history unfolded, Robert Kennedy was unfortunately assassinated in June 1968, just four months prior to his planned appearance at the International Rice Festival.
Since 1968
In the 1971 Democratic gubernatorial primary, Reggie supported not his Crowley friend, Edwin Washington Edwards, but former Governor Jimmie DavisJimmie Davis
James Houston Davis , better known as Jimmie Davis, was a noted singer of both sacred and popular songs who served two nonconsecutive terms as the 47th Governor of Louisiana...
, one of the more conservative candidates in the crowded field. At the time Reggie erroneously considered Edwards unelectable. The decision hampered their relationship, and the two did not speak for three years."
In 1992, his daughter, Victoria
Victoria Reggie Kennedy
Victoria Reggie "Vicki" Kennedy is an American lawyer and the widow of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.-Early life and education:...
, married U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. Reggie’s close relationship with son-in-law Ted Kennedy was evidenced occasionally in the press.
In 1993, Reggie was convicted of misapplication of funds (a felony
Felony
A felony is a serious crime in the common law countries. The term originates from English common law where felonies were originally crimes which involved the confiscation of a convicted person's land and goods; other crimes were called misdemeanors...
) and was sentenced to 120 days of home confinement and a $30,000 fine.
In 2004, Reggie was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame
Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame
The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield, Louisiana, highlights the careers of more than a hundred of the state’s leading politicians and political journalists. Because three governors, Huey P. Long, Jr., Oscar K...
in Winnfield, Louisiana
Winnfield, Louisiana
Winnfield is a city in and the parish seat of Winn Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 5,749 at the 2000 census. It has long been associated with the Long faction of the Louisiana Democratic Party and was home to three governors of Louisiana.-Geography:Winnfield is located at ...
.
In May 2008, the Louisiana Department of Culture and Tourism declared the location where JFK delivered his 1959 International Rice Festival speech in Crowley as an area of historical significance, and erected a historical marker.