The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : In Honor of Dave Treen

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I am in mourning. My very first political hero died this morning. Former Louisiana Gov. Dave Treen died at age 81 of a lung ailment. I was in touch just two days ago and they had no idea it was a lung thing; they thought he had just wrenched his back.

My mom pushed me around in a baby carriage while campaigning for Treen in 1964. My father helped strategize for his first campaign in 1962. My Treen stories are boundless. I will write more, much more, on him later.

For short notice on this blog post, though, let this be noted: When Dave Treen first started running for office in Louisiana as a Republican, there were only around 10,000 registered Republicans IN THE WHOLE STATE. He became the first Repub to win a congressional seat there since Reconstruction, and then the first GOP governor since Reconstruction. His election to governor in 1979 was a key forerunner of the Reagan Revolution. Once he was elected, GOP registration in LA tripled within about 18 months.

His governorship was high-minded but not very politically successful, at least not in the short term. But he did plant the seeds of reform. And he remained a HUGE player on the political scene. And healso played an incredibly important, and brave, role in blocking the ascendancy of neo-Nazi David Duke.

A good man has died today. May the Lord bless him for eternity, and may the Lord comfort his family and friends. David Conner Treen, RIP. A very well-earned peace, at that.

View all comments (8) | Leave a comment

Quin| 10.29.09 @ 11:29AM

Just to be clear, GOP registration was 10,000 in the early '60s. By the time Treen was eelctd governor, it was, if memory serves, a bit over 100 thousand. It then tripled from there within 18 months.

Oldefarte| 10.29.09 @ 11:40AM

Quin, I truly share your grief in the passing of Dave Treen. As a longtime resident of Louisiana who constantly voted for his, I am saddened by this news and also extend my prayers to his family and friends. Treen was a highly principled and honorable person and politician. He had the distinct displeasure/fortitude of having to run against the dispicable Edwin Edwards, the cajun Democrat who was his nemisis politically. I remember well the campaign events where Treen would give a dignafied and intelligent speech concerning problems facing Louisiana, only to have Edwards follow him on that same stage and begin speaking Cajun-French to the partisaned audiance that would hoop-and-holler in delight. Instead of playing the RACE CARD, Edwards played the CAJUN CARD, to his benefit [as he ususally defeated Treen in their contests]. Edwards did eventually go to jail I believe [over the casino corruption scandal in Louisiana], and did run against/defeat David Duke, the racist Republican previously. But again, it's is a sad day indeed for any/all that are familiar with Louisiana politics!!!!!!!

Ronni Patriquin Clark| 10.29.09 @ 1:42PM

Quin, I am truly sorry about Dave Treen's passing. He was a good man, an honorable man. Please email me and let me know when you post your longer tribute to him. I would love to read it.

Hope all is well with you?

Ronni

Quin| 10.29.09 @ 2:43PM

Ronni:
Write me at qhillyer@gmail.com. I just send an email to what I THINK is your address....

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