A Major Louisiana Political and Religious Leader Has Died- Pentecostal Pastor Gerald A. Mangun

I had no idea he was 91. See Longtime Pentecostal pastor Gerald A. Mangun of Alexandria dies at 91

The man's influence also was noted by national figures. When Clinton got into trouble Mangum was there to help including having the President come down for a command musical performance they put on for him.

The article does not touch on it very much but the political angle is big here. He had far more influence than just his locla Church. This largely white group of Pentecostals often would vote in block.

His influence , if you got it, was enough to carry whole Parishes in central Louisiana.

Their votes could be had by both the Republicans and the Democrats. Though for many years they largely leaned democrat. Still if you want their votes you got to go talk them and listen to their concerns. Their concerns go from the social to the largely economic.

Jindal to his credit has done well with this group and spends considerable time on the ground with them. I suspect his funeral will be a political love fest that will have a very bipartisan nature to it.