Earl Long
Earl Kemp Long (August 26, 1895 – September 5, 1960) was an American politician who served as the 45th governor of Louisiana for nine years (1939–1940, 1948–1952, and 1956–1960). A member of the Democratic Party, he held the same position that his brother, Huey Long, held years earlier (1928–1932).
Earl Long | |
|---|---|
| 45th Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office May 15, 1956 – May 10, 1960 | |
| Lieutenant | Lether Frazar |
| Preceded by | Robert Kennon |
| Succeeded by | Jimmie Davis |
| In office May 11, 1948 – May 13, 1952 | |
| Lieutenant | Bill Dodd |
| Preceded by | Jimmie Davis |
| Succeeded by | Robert Kennon |
| In office June 26, 1939 – May 14, 1940 | |
| Lieutenant | Coleman Lindsey |
| Preceded by | Richard W. Leche |
| Succeeded by | Sam H. Jones |
| 38th Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office May 12, 1936 – June 26, 1939 | |
| Governor | Richard W. Leche |
| Preceded by | James A. Noe |
| Succeeded by | Coleman Lindsey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Earl Kemp Long August 26, 1895 Winnfield, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | September 5, 1960 (aged 65) Alexandria, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Blanche Revere |
| Relatives | Long family |
| Education | Louisiana State University Tulane University Loyola University New Orleans (LLB) |
Long served as lieutenant governor of Louisiana from 1936 to 1939. Trying to keep a close hand in state government, he failed in three other bids to be elected lieutenant governor, in 1932, 1944, and 1959. Long was nominated in the summer of 1960 to the United States House of Representatives for Louisiana's 8th congressional district, and was running unopposed in the general election, but he died before he could take office.
During his career, Long promoted a progressive agenda by expanding school-lunch programs, teacher pay, public-works projects, and minority voting rights. Known as "Uncle Earl", Long connected with voters through his folksy demeanor and colorful oratory. His sometimes erratic behavior – including a liaison with New Orleans stripper Blaze Starr – did not affect his electoral success.