Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Legendary Lousiana Governor Huey Long

Above is photo of former Governor of Louisiana (1928-1932) and U.S. Senator (1932-1935) Huey Long. Nicknamed "the Kingfish", Long was known for his radical populist policies. During the Great Depression, Long created the "Share the Wealth" program in 1934, with a motto of "Every Man a King."

Long was assassinated on the federal courthouse steps in Baton Rouge in 1935. It is unclear whether he was shot by the alleged assassin or by a stray bullet from one of his bodyguards. The bodyguards put 32 bullets in the alleged assassin, who may have just punched Long in the mouth (although the assassin's distinctive Belgian pistol was found at the site).

Long died two days after the assassination attempt at age 42. His last words were reported to be, "God don't let me die, I have so much to do." At his death, Long, a Democrat, was preparing to mount a presidential campaign to oppose Frankin Roosevelt in 1936. Some 200,000 people poured into Baton Rouge for his funeral and tons of flowers came in from around the world.

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