Robert Freeman

Robert Louis Freeman Sr. (April 27, 1934 – May 16, 2016) was an American politician who served as the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana from 1980 to 1988 under Governors Dave Treen and Edwin Edwards. Early life and education Freeman earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and L.L.B. from Loyola University New Orleans in 1965. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959. Career After earning his law degree, Freeman worked for a chemical company from 1960 to 1961. He later established his own law firm, Freeman and Pendley. Freeman served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1968 to 1980. Freeman, a floor leader for Governor Edwin Edwards, was one of labor's strongest allies in either house of the Louisiana Legislature during his tenure. He vehemently opposed right-to-work legislation, which nonetheless became law in July 1976 despite unyielding opposition by Freeman, other pro-labor legislators, and Louisiana AFL-CIO president Victor Bussie.