The trial of former Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) begins in a mere three weeks. His friends and supporters feted him last night in New Orleans.

‘We’re with you, ‘ friends assure embattled former congressman William Jefferson

Bill, if I were you, I wouldn’t turn my back…

[Liberty Bank President Alden] McDonald, who called his longtime friend a “legend” and a “history maker, ” said Jefferson played an integral role in ensuring that Southern University in New Orleans received equal financing for education programs and infrastructure. [Southern University in New Orleans has become something of a family sinecure for the Jefferson clan. - ed.]

“You don’t know how many hearts, minds and bodies you’ve touched, ” McDonald said.

How many bodies you’ve touched?! Yikes.