In that same year, Leach entered Louisiana State University, from which he earned his Bachelor of Science.

[3] Leach joined the Democratic Party, which through the mid-20th century was dominated in Louisiana by conservative white members.

In his first term, he served in a two-member district with fellow Democrat E. Holman Jones of Oakdale, Allen Parish.

His election was marred by the disclosure that he purchased hundreds of votes with moon pies and RC Colas but the majority in the House of Representatives(Democrats) certified him as a member anyway.

In his last term as a state legislator, Leach served on the House Ways and Means Committee.

[1][3] In 2003, Leach launched his gubernatorial campaign, seeking a runoff berth in a crowded field.

Having been diagnosed with polio at a young age, the topic of health care in Louisiana was one of his main priorities.

[3] Many other candidates were in the race, including Democrats Kathleen Blanco, the lieutenant governor; and Richard Ieyoub, the outgoing state attorney general.

Leach came in fourth place in the blanket primary behind Kathleen Blanco, Bobby Jindal, the top two finishers, and Richard Ieyoub.

This was a contrast from when Leach first entered politics in what was then an overwhelmingly Democratic state dominated by conservative whites.