Charles Emile Bruneau, Jr.
Charles Emile Bruneau, Jr. known as “Peppi” Bruneau (born November 12, 1942), is an attorney from New Orleans, Louisiana who represented District 94 (Orleans Parish) in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1976 until his retirement in April 2007. He wrote landmark sunshine laws to open government meetings and records to the public. He sponsored the controversial law that legalized video poker in the state. Bruneau, known for his flamboyance, wit, humor, and theatrics in the House, was originally elected as an Independent in the first ever nonpartisan primary held in the fall of 1975. He switched to Republican affiliation in 1984 and was thereafter elected as a Republican in 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, and 2003. He is a former Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House. In 1984, he was chairman of the House Republican delegation. The Alliance for Good Government named him “Legislator of the Year” in 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1986. The Louisiana Conservative Union cited him for service as well in 1981. The National Republican Legislators Association named him “National Legislator of the Year” in 1986. In 1992, he received the Monte M. Lemann Award from Louisiana Civil Service.