Charles W. DeWitt, Jr.

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Charles W. "Charlie" DeWitt, Jr. (born February 4, 1947), has been a Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 25 (Rapides Parish) since 1980. He was the Speaker of the House from 2000 to 2004 during the second term of Republican Governor Murphy James "Mike" Foster, Jr. In Louisiana, the governor plays a major role in selecting the House speaker despite the separation of powers.

DeWitt was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. DeWitt, Sr. He graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria in 1965. One of his classmates was another future Louisiana state legislator, John Wyeth "Jock" Scott, II, of District 27. The two were also House colleagues from 1980-1988, but Scott switched to the GOP in 1985.

DeWitt is married to the former Patricia "Dale" Riddick. A farm-ranch operative, DeWitt is a member of the Cattleman's Association and the coproducer of a rodeo company. Their mailing address is in Lecompte (pronounced LE COUNT) in southern Rapides Parish.

Prior to his legislative service, DeWitt was a member of the Rapides Parish Police Jury, the parish's governing board, akin to the county commission in other states, from 1972-1980. He was the jury vice president from 1976-1978. He is a member of the Amicus Club and serves on the advisory board of the Alexandria Area Child Protection Agency. He is on the board of directors of the Farm Bureau. He was chairman of the Heart Fund and a former member of the Rapides Parish Stormwater Management and Drainage District.

DeWitt was diagnosed early in 2007 with lung cancer and is undergoing treatment. The disease was found in an examination conducted by his son, the Alexandria physician Dr. Chance DeWitt. Both of his parents were cancer victims. The recovery rate based on early detection of the cancer is considered very good.

DeWitt is term-limited from seeking a seventh term in the state House in the October 20, 2007 jungle primary.

[edit] References

http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070113/NEWS01/701130349

http://www.enlou.com/officeholders/housedistrict25.htm

Preceded by Huntington B. Downer	Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives Charles W. "Charlie" DeWitt, Jr. 2000–2004	Succeeded by Joe Salter
Preceded by Wilbur Dyer	Louisiana State Representative from District 25 (Rapides Parish) Charles W. "Charlie" DeWitt, Jr. 1980–	Succeeded by DeWitt is term-limited; primary election is set for October 20, 2007