Claude "Buddy" Leach, Jr. is the Chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. A Leesville native, Leach received his undergraduate and J.D. degrees from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Following service in the U.S. Army, Leach was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1968. During his 16 year tenure in the Legislature, Mr. Leach served as Chairman of Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of Louisiana Legislative Council.  Mr. Leach was elected to the U.S. Congress from the 4^th District in 1978, becoming the last Democrat to hold that seat. Prior to his election as Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Mr. Leach served as a National Democratic Committeeman. Buddy and Laura Leach have been married for 44 years. They have three grown children and nine grandchildren.