E. L. Henry

Edgerton L. "Bubba" Henry (born February 10, 1936) is a Baton Rouge attorney, lobbyist, and partner of the high-powered firm Adams and Reese who served as a Democrat in the House of Representatives from 1968-1980. He was Speaker from 1972–1980. Henry was Governor Edwin Washington Edwards's choice for Speaker. Though he was considered reform-minded, some conservatives still questioned Henry's commitment to reform. In 1979, Henry finished in a weak fifth place in the jungle primary in his bid to succeed Edwards as governor. Thereafter, he was commissioner of administration for the new governor, Republican David C. Treen, then of Jefferson Parish. After Treen left office, Henry retired from elective and appointive office to concentrate on his law practice and lobbying activities. He joined Adams and Reese in 1987. One of his major clients is State Farm Insurance.

Leading the "Young Turks"

Henry graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School and obtained his bachelor of arts degree from Baptist-affiliated Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 1957. Thereafter, he procured his law degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Henry won his legislative seat on February 6, 1968, with a solid victory over his Republican opponent and personal friend, businessman Bob Reese of Jonesboro, later of Natchitoches Parish, where he ran unsuccessfully in 1972 for the state senate against the Democrat Paul L. Foshee.Louisiana Secretary of State, Election...
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