In an autumn anguished by political strife, Louisiana voters must now choose their governor for the next four years. The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate endorses Gov. John Bel Edwards for reelection.

Our support for John Bel Edwards is guided by a long tradition in Louisiana — namely, the willingness of leaders in both major parties to work together in advancing the state's best interest. As governor, Edwards has demonstrated an ability to act as a bridge, rather than a barrier, between Republicans and his fellow Democrats in stabilizing the state budget, approving landmark criminal justice reforms supported by both conservatives and liberals, and beefing up funding for education, the best engine of future prosperity.

Bipartisanship seems largely dead in Washington, D.C. Even in Louisiana, where for generations leaders looked past party labels to build a consensus for progress, political polarization is on the rise, threatening the common good.

But in that climate of confrontation, Edwards has been a conciliator. With crucial support from GOP lawmakers, he implemented a package of spending cuts and tax measures to put the state's fiscal house in order. He's worked closely and respectfully with President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders on shared goals such as justice reform and flood recovery. Edwards met the tough tests of dealing with natural disasters and emotional crises like the shootings of Baton Rouge police officers in 2016. Additionally, Edwards expanded Medicaid so that hundreds of thousands now have medical coverage, a move that was supported by doctors and hospitals and which his two Republican rivals acknowledge they would leave in place.

Such pragmatism is what Louisiana needs. There are, after all, many problems to solve, and we haven't always agreed with the governor's approach to the state's underlying challenges. Louisiana needs a governor who supports tort reform and will stand up to trial lawyers and teacher unions. Lawsuits against energy companies put our state at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting investment.

Now that state budget waters have calmed, voters would best be served by a more clearly articulated vision from Edwards and his fellow candidates about where they'd like to take Louisiana in the next four years.

That we're now able to discuss the future is itself an accomplishment, one for which Edwards should get no small credit.

Staff Editorial, October 6, 2018

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November 16, 2019

Voices4America Post Script.

The voters rejected Trump in Kentucky. Democrat Andy Beshear is now governor of Kentucky.

Yesterday, Trump begged Louisiana voters not to let him lose again.

Share this to remind Louisiana voters to vote tomorrow, Saturday, November 16. John Bel Edwards. Let the good times roll!

Did I mention LSU beat Alabama when Trump came to cheer for the home team? #JohnBelEdwards