New Digital Ad In Louisiana’s Governor Race Points Out John Bel Edwards’ Role In Releasing Violent Offenders

RGA Right Direction PAC, an organization supported by the Republican Governors Association (RGA), today released a new digital ad campaign exposing Governor John Bel Edwards false claim that “not one” violent criminal has been released on his watch.

The digital ad, titled “Not One,” breaks down Edwards’ disingenuous statement, made repeatedly in the recent Louisiana Public Broadcasting debate, that no violent offenders have been freed under his administration. The facts paint a different picture: in 2016 Edwards commuted the prison sentences of 15 convicted murderers, making these individuals with violent criminal backgrounds eligible for early release.

David Martin Bacon who was serving a life sentence for killing an innocent husband and father in cold blood, was one of these individuals. Bacon was released shortly after Edwards commuted his sentence. The victim’s wife and daughter, who the Edwards administration failed to notify of his early release, have expressed shock and outrage in letters to the governor.

The victim’s daughter filed suit against the Edwards administration in October for withholding information from the family, who had filed public records requests in their search for answers. The family’s attorney told the St. Charles Herald Guide: “They don’t know why this man was pardoned…The family is looking for answers as to why the governor put a murderer back on the streets.”

“John Bel Edwards has made it clear he cares more about scoring political points than keeping Louisianans safe,” said RGA Communications Director Amelia Chassé Alcivar. “Misleading Louisiana voters about his record while a grieving family is still searching for answers is one more way John Bel Edwards puts politics over people.”