Spotlight on History
Remembering Governor Kathleen Blanco
Former Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has died at age 76 following a battle with cancer. Blanco, a resident of Lafayette, grew up in Couteau and New Iberia. Her career as a public servant spanned 24 years. She served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1984-1989 and as the first female member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission from 1989-1996. Blanco later served as Louisiana’s 50th Lieutenant Governor from 1996-2004 and as Louisiana’s 54th Governor from 2004-2008. Here are a few of our best stories on Louisiana’s only female governor:
Gubernatorial Debate (2003)
View LPB’s final Decision 2003 gubernatorial debate between the two run-off candidates – former DHH Secretary Bobby Jindal and Lt. Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.
Inauguration (2004)
Watch LPB’s live coverage of Governor Blanco’s historic inauguration as Louisiana’s first female leader. You can also view her inaugurations as Lieutenant Governor in 1996 and 2000.
Economic Development (2004)
See Governor Blanco answer questions from Louisiana citizens on economic development and the future of the state in this inaugural episode of Louisiana Public Square.
Hurricane Rita Aftermath (2005)
In this story from Louisiana: The State We’re In, see Governor Blanco touring the devastation in the town of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish following Hurricane Rita.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco Interview (2005)
In this year-end interview from Louisiana: The State We’re In, watch Governor Blanco discuss the major events of 2005, including the state’s response to Hurricane Katrina.
The Role of Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor (2011)
View a McLeod Lecture Series panel discussion on the role of the Lieutenant Governor with Bobby Freeman, Paul Hardy, Melinda Schwegmann, and Kathleen Blanco.
Four Governors, One Event (2012)
In honor of CABL’s 50th anniversary, see Governor Blanco participate in a panel discussion with former Governors Edwards, Roemer, and Foster.
Louisiana Legends Gala (2015)
See a profile of Governor Blanco and her speech accepting her recognition as a Louisiana Legend at the 2015 gala.
Louisiana Legends Interview (2015)
Watch Governor Blanco discuss her life, political career, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in this Louisiana Legends interview with host Beth Courtney.
Blanco Public Policy Center (2018)
In this story from Louisiana: The State We’re In, see Governor Blanco discuss the plans for her public policy center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.