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→Gubernatorial general election, 1979
Lambert eyed the 1979 gubernatorial race with confidence and with history on his side. Three previous governors had served on the PSC prior to their gubernatorial victories: [[Huey Long|Huey Pierce Long, Jr.]], [[Jimmie Davis]], and [[John J. McKeithen]]. Lambert sought to succeed two-term-limited Governor [[Edwin Edwards]]. Republican David Treen led the balloting against the divided field of Democrats but was far short of an outright majority.
Lambert eyed the 1979 gubernatorial race with confidence and with history on his side. Three previous governors had served on the PSC prior to their gubernatorial victories: [[Huey Long|Huey Pierce Long, Jr.]], [[Jimmie Davis]], and [[John J. McKeithen]]. Lambert sought to succeed two-term-limited Governor [[Edwin Edwards]]. Republican David Treen led the balloting against the divided field of Democrats but was far short of an outright majority.
Lambert faced a legal challenge to secure his general election berth. Then Lieutenant Governor [[Jimmy Fitzmorris]], of New Orleans had initially led for the second spot, but when a retabulation put Lambert ahead of Fitzmorris by some 2,500 votes, Fitzmorris went to court. He alleged that Lambert had benefited from fraudulent votes in certain parishes as well as improper counting procedures. Judge [[Douglas Gonzales]], a Republican serving on the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, said in the hearing brought about by Fitzmorris' suit that he sympathized with the lieutenant governor's position. However, Judge Gonzalez found that Fitzmorris had not located sufficient numbers of questionable votes cast for Lambert to put Fitzmorris, rather than Lambert, into the general election.
Lambert faced a legal challenge to secure his general election berth. Then Lieutenant Governor [[Jimmy Fitzmorris]], of New Orleans had initially led for the second spot, but when a re-tabulation put Lambert ahead of Fitzmorris by some 2,500 votes, Fitzmorris went to court. He alleged that Lambert had benefited from fraudulent votes in certain parishes as well as improper counting procedures. Judge [[Douglas Gonzales]], a Republican serving on the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, said in the hearing brought about by Fitzmorris' suit that he sympathized with the lieutenant governor's position. However, Judge Gonzalez found that Fitzmorris had not located sufficient numbers of questionable votes cast for Lambert to put Fitzmorris, rather than Lambert, into the general election.
The disappointed Fitzmorris and three other major Democratic gubernatorial candidates all endorsed Treen: Secretary of State [[Paul Hardy]], originally from St. Martinville] state Senator Edgar G. "Sonny" Mouton, Jr., of Lafayette, and outgoing House Speaker Edgerton L. "Bubba" Henry, then of Jonesboro in Jackson Parish in north Louisiana. Lambert seemed to stand alone while his four major intraparty rivals backing the Republican choice for governor.
The disappointed Fitzmorris and three other major Democratic gubernatorial candidates all endorsed Treen: Secretary of State [[Paul Hardy]], originally from St. Martinville] state Senator Edgar G. "Sonny" Mouton, Jr., of Lafayette, and outgoing House Speaker [[E. L. "Bubba" Henry]], then of Jonesboro in Jackson Parish in north Louisiana. Lambert seemed to stand alone while his four major intraparty rivals backing the Republican choice for governor.
Despite the actions of other Democratic gubernatorial candidates, outgoing Governor Edwards endorsed Lambert: "He is going to, more than Dave Treen, continue the programs that I'm proud of in Louisiana."<ref>"Edwards endorses Louis Lambert," ''Minden Press-Herald,'' November 26, 1979, p. 1.</ref> Treen replied that the Lambert campaign was in dire need of a major endorsement, and Edwards was there to comply.<ref>''Minden Press-Herald,'' November 29, 1979, p. 1.</ref>
Despite the actions of other Democratic gubernatorial candidates, outgoing Governor Edwards endorsed Lambert: "He is going to, more than Dave Treen, continue the programs that I'm proud of in Louisiana."<ref>"Edwards endorses Louis Lambert," ''Minden Press-Herald,'' November 26, 1979, p. 1.</ref> Treen replied that the Lambert campaign was in dire need of a major endorsement, and Edwards was there to comply.<ref>''[[Minden Press-Herald,'' November 29, 1979, p. 1.</ref>
Lambert said the had "always run against the politicians, the power brokers, and the political bosses." He expected that his state's overwhelming Democratic registration would provide him with a margin of victory despite the defection of prominent individuals to the Treen camp. In a speech before the New Orleans Press Club, Lambert tore into his opponent, David Treen:
Lambert said the had "always run against the politicians, the power brokers, and the political bosses." He expected that his state's overwhelming Democratic registration would provide him with a margin of victory despite the defection of prominent individuals to the Treen camp. In a speech before the New Orleans Press Club, Lambert tore into his opponent, David Treen: