American Notes LOUISIANA

In a state that looks upon politics as public amusement, his bon temps style played well -- at least while oil profits let the good times roll. But, as an unusually subdued Edwin Edwards noted, "it has to end sometime." After finishing second in an open primary on Oct. 24, he admitted defeat in his attempt for a fourth term as Louisiana's Governor. His successor will be four- term Congressman Buddy Roemer, 43, a reform-minded conservative Democrat.

Edwards built a populist coalition of poor whites, labor and blacks who tolerated his political dealmaking and frequent forays to Las Vegas gaming tables. But the good times ended during a scandal-ridden third term that saw Edwards indicted twice on racketeering charges; one trial ended in a hung jury, the other in acquittal. After his defeat, the silver-tongued Cajun bid a jaunty farewell: "You're going to miss me," he said. "But many of you don't know it yet."