Long, Earl Kemp

Long, Earl Kemp,

1895–1960, American political figure, b. Winnfield, La.; brother of Huey Long. A lawyer, he was given a state office when his brother became governor. He ran for lieutenant governor in 1931 without Huey Long's support and lost. Later, the two were reconciled. In 1936, he was elected lieutenant governor and served (1939–40) as governor, after his predecessor resigned. Although defeated for reelection in 1940, he twice again served as governor of Louisiana (1948–52, 1956–60). From 1935 to 1960, he was a leader in the "Long machine" created by his brother, which dominated Louisiana politics after 1928. His last administration was marred by personal troubles, which at one point caused him to be committed to a mental hospital. Running unopposed as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960, he died before the general election took place.