16 Facts About Speedy Long

Speedy Oteria Long was an American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives for Louisiana's 8th congressional district from January 3,1965, until January 3,1973.

Speedy Long was a member of the Long family, a cousin of Huey Long, Earl K Long, Russell Long, and Gillis William Long.

Speedy Oteria Long was born in Tullos, Louisiana, in La Salle Parish on June 16,1928.

Speedy Long was given the name Speedy because he was born prematurely.

Speedy Long attended public schools in LaSalle and Winn Parish, graduating in 1945 from Winnfield High School.

Speedy Long served in the United States Navy from April 1946 to February 1948.

Speedy Long was recalled to active duty in the Navy from September 1951 to December 1952, then graduated from Louisiana State University Law School in Baton Rouge in February 1959.

Speedy Long was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 1959 and began the practice of law in Jena, Louisiana.

Speedy Long was elected to the Louisiana State Senate and served from May 1956 to May 1964, after which he ran in the primary to be the Democratic nominee for election to United States House of Representatives representing Louisiana's 8th congressional district.

Speedy Long used the slogan "Vote Against the Man Who Voted Against the South" in the campaign against Gillis.

Speedy Long declined to seek re-election later that year, and his cousin Gillis again ran, winning the district and being re-elected six times.

Speedy Long declined to seek another term in 1984, and instead ran for Governor in 1987.

Speedy Long finished in a distant sixth place, winning just 1.2 percent of the vote.

In 1995, Speedy Long ran for LaSalle Parish Sheriff, but placed fourth in the primary and did not advance to the runoff election.

Speedy Long was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 1996.

Speedy Long died died on October 5,2006, in Jena, Louisiana.