Changes

==Run for legislature, 1989==

==Run for legislature, 1989==

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In 1988, Republican state Representative [[Charles Cusimano]] resigned his seat to become a state court judge, and a [[special election]] was called early in 1989 to fll the position. At thirty-nine, Villere entered the race in District 89. His opponents included two fellow Republicans, [[John Treen]], a brother of former [[Governor]] [[David C. Treen]], and [[David Duke]],formerly affiliated with the [[Ku Klux Klan]]. Treen and Duke went into a runoff election, from which Duke emerged victorious and served for three years in the state legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://house.louisiana.gov/H_PDFdocs/HouseMembers1812_2008.pdf|title=Membership of the Louisiana House of Representatives, 1812-2008|publisher=house.louisiana.gov|accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref> Duke used attention from his new position as a base from which to launch unsuccessful campaigns for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 1990, governor in 1991, and President in 1992. Villere did not again seek office but thereafter concentrated his political activity within his party organization.<ref name=sabludowsky>Stephen Sabludowsky, "Jindal Has Mighty Duke in Louisiana GOP and Roger Villere," bayoubuzz, November 8, 2009; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

In 1988, Republican state Representative [[Charles Cusimano]] resigned his seat to become a state court judge, and a [[special election]] was called early in 1989 to fll the position. At thirty-nine, Villere entered the race in District 89. His opponents included two fellow Republicans, [[John Treen]], a brother of former [[Governor]] [[David C. Treen]], and [[David Duke]], formerly affiliated with the [[Ku Klux Klan]]. Treen and Duke went into a runoff election from which Duke emerged victorious and served for three years in the state legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://house.louisiana.gov/H_PDFdocs/HouseMembers1812_2008.pdf|title=Membership of the Louisiana House of Representatives, 1812-2008|publisher=house.louisiana.gov|accessdate=November 8, 2009}}</ref> Duke used attention from his new position as a base from which to launch unsuccessful campaigns for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 1990, governor in 1991, and President in 1992. Villere did not again seek office but thereafter concentrated his political activity within his party organization.<ref name=sabludowsky>Stephen Sabludowsky, "Jindal Has Mighty Duke in Louisiana GOP and Roger Villere," bayoubuzz, November 8, 2009; no longer on-line.}}</ref>​

Political analyst Stephen Mark Sabludowsky (born 1950) of Metairie noted certain ironies in that 1989 special legislative race:​

Political analyst Stephen Mark Sabludowsky (born 1950) of Metairie noted certain ironies in that 1989 special legislative race:​

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David Duke won that legislative seat, became a political nightmare for Governor [[Buddy Roemer]] and Republican chairman [[William A. Nungesser|William A. "Billy" Nungesser]]. Of course, Duke ran for a number of offices, doing well against two powerful Louisiana institutions in [[J. Bennett Johnston, Jr.]], and [[Edwin Edwards]]. Duke's fortunes soured as he attempted to run for President, later spent time in jail, then peddled his [[racism]] and [[Nazism]] and 'loony tunes' philosophies in the likes of [[Russia]], [[Iran]], and elsewhere.​<br>

David Duke won that legislative seat, became a political nightmare for Governor [[Buddy Roemer]] and Republican chairman [[William A. Nungesser|William A. "Billy" Nungesser]]. Of course, Duke ran against [[J. Bennett Johnston, Jr.]], and [[Edwin Edwards]]. Duke's fortunes soured as he attempted to run for President, later spent time in jail, then peddled his [[racism]] and [[Nazism]] and 'loony tunes' philosophies in the likes of [[Russia]], [[Iran]], and elsewhere.​<br>

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Meanwhile, the young Roger Villere worked his way up the ladder of the Louisiana Republican Party, ultimately earning the position of chairman."<ref name=sabludowsky/>​</blockquote>

Meanwhile, the young Roger Villere worked his way up the ladder of the Louisiana Republican Party, ultimately earning the position of chairman."<ref name=sabludowsky/>​</blockquote>

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==Political spotlight==

==Political spotlight==

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