Poll: Jefferson will be convicted

Former Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson will be convicted of federal corruption charges, a majority of 10/12 poll respondents say. Seventy-five percent of those who responded indicated they believe the jury will return a guilty verdict, while 16% say he’ll go free. The remaining 7% are convinced it’s still too early to tell. Jefferson’s trial is now in its fifth week. Earlier this week, ex-aide Angelle Kwemo testified that her former boss gave her a $5,000 cash loan three days after he accepted a briefcase full of cash from an FBI informant. The $100,000 was intended as a bribe for the Nigerian vice president, and agents found $90,000 of it in the freezer of Jefferson’s Washington home. Jefferson has pleaded innocent to 16 public corruption charges, including bribery, conspiracy, racketeering and money laundering. The Justice Department accuses him of requesting payments for himself and family members in return for using his congressional influence and office to push business projects in Africa. The 10/12 poll is not a scientific survey. It reflects the responses of the people who choose to participate. This week’s question: Should New Orleans residents who haven’t yet returned to the Crescent City be included in its census count?