Statement From Chairman Villere Following The Death Of David Treen
Posted in Press Releases Posted by Administrator on Oct 29, 2009Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger F. Villere, Jr. released the following statement regarding the death of former Republican Governor David C. Treen:
“Dave Treen was one of the Republican Party of Louisiana’s earliest and most important leaders. A former Republican State Central Committee Member and Republican National Committeeman, he would eventually be elected our first Republican Member of Congress since 1891 and our first Republican Governor since Reconstruction. He was a courageous man who loved our country and our state. He fought the political establishment during the 1960’s and 70’s when it was very difficult to elect a Republican in our state and his career in political office was marked with integrity and fiscal discipline.
It is important for younger voters to understand that Louisiana’s commitment to high ethical standards and the existence of a viable two-party system in our state are relatively new developments. Just a quarter century ago, neither existed in a significant way. Dave Treen laid the foundation to change all of that, and for that, millions of Louisiana citizens owe him a profound debt of gratitude.
On behalf of the Republican Party of Louisiana, I want to express our appreciation for all that Dave Treen did to grow our party in Louisiana. He was a friend and he will be missed.”
Very well put Roger. Dave Treen was a man who deserves to be remembered.
I worked as an activist for Treen, even while a teenager and I have always been proud of everything that was accomplished for our great state during those days when David Treen and all who joined him changed our state forever afterwards and, I think I can say with assurance, for the better.
I opened a blog last week to jump into the political campaign developing for the senatorial election next year and yesterday evening, after learning of Dave Treen’s passing, I sat down and wrote my own memoriam to him, which includes some of my own personal recollections.
I entitled it: “The War on Political Corruption in Louisiana: The Legacy of David Treen”
It is up at my “Blogging Louisiana” blog at:
http://blogginglouisiana.blogspot.com/2009/10/war-on-corruption-in-louisiana-politics.html
Dave Treen should be remembered for what he accomplished on behalf of everyone in this state.
Jacob Sulzbach
Lafayette