News In Brief

Former governor beats incumbent in Louisiana

Former Gov. Edwin Edwards (D) overwhelmed Republican Gov. David Treen in Saturday's Louisiana gubernatorial contest, winning back by a nearly 2-to-1 margin the office he had held for eight years. Edwards's win upholds a Louisiana tradition of giving conservative, reform-minded governors only one term in office. It is also a blow to Louisiana's fledgling Republican Party, which is struggling for a foothold in the traditionally one-party state. Voter turnout is expected to set a state record, surpassing the 75 percent figure in the 1980 presidential election, election officials said.