Ex-Governor Denies He Sought Bribes

Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards denied extorting more than $3 million from people seeking riverboat casino licenses as he testified in Baton Rouge, La., in his trial on racketeering and fraud charges. Edwards, who served four terms as governor and dominated Louisiana politics for more than 25 years, said he provided consulting services to casino applicants and was legitimately paid for his work. Prosecutors charge that Edwards demanded illegal payoffs in exchange for political influence with the Louisiana Riverboat Gaming Commission.