By Associated Press - Thursday, May 19, 2016

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - A law enforcement official known as “the Cajun John Wayne” is running for the 3rd Congressional District seat representing south central and southwest Louisiana.

Clay Higgins, a Republican reserve deputy marshal with the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office, announced his candidacy Wednesday. The Advocate reports (https://bit.ly/1W4j2US ) Higgins described it as “descending into the belly of the beast.”

Higgins is a former captain with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. He produced televised Crime Stoppers segments at the sheriff’s office that drew national attention. Higgins mocked and belittled those suspected of crimes, then would use a cajoling tone to persuade the suspects to turn themselves in.

The 3rd District seat is open on the November ballot because Rep. Charles Boustany is running for the U.S. Senate. Several candidates are in the race.

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Information from: The Advocate, https://theadvocate.com

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