The Nation - News from Dec. 15, 1985

A juror in Gov. Edwin W. Edwards’ federal racketeering trial in New Orleans flashed a thumbs-down sign at television cameras, prompting defense attorneys to demand that he be thrown off the panel. U.S. District Judge Marcel Livaudais said that he would hear arguments on the motion. The juror, Clifford West, 31, made the gesture as he climbed aboard a van that took jurors from their hotel to the courthouse in the trial of the governor, his brother and three business associates, who are accused of abusing their political power in a $10-million hospital-investment scheme. The jurors were to resume deliberations Monday.