Long, Huey (Pierce) ‘the Kingfish’ (1893-1935)

US Democratic politician. As governor of Louisiana 1928-32 and senator for Louisiana 1932-35, he became legendary for his political rhetoric. He was popular with poor white voters for his programme of social and economic reform, which he called the ‘Share Our Wealth’ programme. It represented a significant challenge to F D Roosevelt's New Deal economic programme.

Long's scheme called for a massive redistribution of wealth through high inheritance taxes and confiscatory taxes on high incomes. His own extravagance - including the State Capitol building at Baton Rouge, built of bronze and marble - was widely criticized. Although he became a virtual dictator in the state, his slogan was ‘Every man a king, but no man wears a crown’. He was assassinated.

Born in Winnfield, Louisiana, he graduated from Tulane University with a law degree. He was fatally shot at the capitol in Baton Rouge, one month after announcing his intention to run for the presidency.