David Treen

David C. Treen was an American politician and attorney who served as a U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 1973 to 1980. A member of the Republican Party, Treen was notable for being the first Republican elected to Congress from Louisiana since the Reconstruction era. Following his tenure in the House, he went on to become the 51st governor of Louisiana, serving from 1980 to 1984. Treen's political career was marked by a commitment to conservative principles and a focus on educational and environmental reforms during his time in office.

Early life and career

David C. Treen was born on July 16, 1928, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Joseph Paul Treen and Elizabeth Speir Treen. He spent his formative years in New Orleans, where he attended public schools in the East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, and Orleans parishes. Treen graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in 1945, where he was contemporaries with notable figures, including political consultant and journalist Victor Gold. He pursued higher education at Tulane University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science in 1948. While at Tulane, Treen was an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He continued his education at Tulane Law School, graduating in 1950 and subsequently being admitted to the bar.

Treen's professional career began with his service in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1952. After completing his military service, he joined the law firm of Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles. He later served as legal counsel and vice president for Simplex Manufacturing Corporation in New Orleans from 1952 to 1957. In 1957, Treen transitioned to the law firm of Beard, Blue & Schmitt, where he eventually became a partner, and the firm was renamed Beard, Blue, Schmitt & Treen.

Treen's initial foray into politics began in the early 1960s. He was involved with the States' Rights Party, serving as chair of the party's state central committee and running as an elector in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. The party supported segregationist candidate Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Treen's involvement with this party was marked by a commitment to states' rights, although he later distanced himself from the party due to its perceived anti-Semitic views.

House tenure

David Treen's political career in the U.S. House of Representatives began in 1973 when he was elected to represent Louisiana's 3rd congressional district. His election came after three unsuccessful attempts to secure a congressional seat in the 1960s, during which he faced incumbent Democrats. Treen's victory in 1972 marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Republican to represent Louisiana in Congress since Reconstruction. His district encompassed parts of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.

During his time in the House, Treen established a reputation for his conservative voting record. He was re-elected three times, demonstrating increasing support from his constituents. His tenure included participation as one of the inaugural members of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, which was formed in 1975 to oversee the nation's intelligence activities. Treen's legislative work during this period was characterized by a focus on national security and conservative fiscal policies.

In 1980, Treen resigned from the House to pursue the governorship of Louisiana. His decision to leave Congress was influenced by his desire to implement broader reforms at the state level. Treen's tenure in the House lasted until January 3, 1981, when he officially took office as governor.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Treen's legislative focus reflected his conservative ideology and commitment to issues pertinent to his constituents. He was known for advocating for fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention. His participation in the House Select Committee on Intelligence highlighted his interest in national security matters, particularly during a time of heightened concern regarding international relations and domestic security.

Treen's legislative agenda included a variety of issues, but he was particularly focused on education and environmental policies. His commitment to educational reform was evident in his later gubernatorial initiatives, where he sought to improve the state's educational system. During his time as governor, he implemented a professional development program for teachers and signed legislation that established the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, as well as the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Despite his successes, Treen's governorship coincided with economic challenges, including rising unemployment and increasing state bond debt due to the early 1980s recession. These challenges ultimately impacted his re-election bid in 1983, where he was defeated by Edwin Edwards, a former governor of Louisiana.

After leaving the governor's office, Treen remained active in Louisiana politics, continuing to engage with political issues and candidates. He ran for Congress again and endorsed various gubernatorial candidates, maintaining a presence in the political landscape until his death in 2009.

David C. Treen's political career was marked by significant milestones, including his role as a pioneering Republican in Louisiana politics and his contributions to legislative efforts during a transformative period in the state's history. His legacy includes his commitment to conservative principles, educational reform, and active participation in the governance of Louisiana.