Charles W. DeWitt, Jr.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Charles W. "Charlie" DeWitt, Jr. (born February 4, 1947), is a former Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, having served from District 25 (Rapides Parish) from 1980-2008. 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.

In 2004, DeWitt was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield.

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, having served under the president, L. B. Henry of Pineville. 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.

Early in 2007, DeWitt was diagnosed 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 was term-limited from seeking a seventh term in the state House in the October 20, 2007 jungle primary. His successor is fellow Democrat Christopher Roy, Jr., brother of Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy. Roy defeated Republican Lance Maxwell in the November 17 general election. Maxwell had led in the primary with 6,226 votes (41 percent) to Roy's 5,282 ballots (35 percent). A third candidate, former Alexandria Police Chief Glen Beard, a Democrat, trailed with 3,538 votes (24 percent).

DeWitt stunned the Louisiana political scene in October when he endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal, the outright winner of the primary election.

[edit] References

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

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

http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms3&rqsdta=102007

http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms3&rqsdta=111707