Rick Smith

Earl K. Long is the only sitting governor ever committed to a mental institution, not once, but twice. Long was far from the “crazy country bumpkin” some claimed him to be. He was a sharp, fearless politician and a champion of working-class Louisianans. His private life also made headlines, particularly his highly publicized affair with New Orleans burlesque star Blaze Starr.

Earl K. Long is the only sitting governor ever committed to a mental institution, not once, but twice. Long was far from the “crazy country bumpkin” some claimed him to be. He was a sharp, fearless politician and a champion of working-class Louisianans. His private life also made headlines, particularly his highly publicized affair with New Orleans burlesque star Blaze Starr.

Earl K. Long is the only sitting governor ever committed to a mental institution, not once, but twice. Long was far from the “crazy country bumpkin” some claimed him to be. He was a sharp, fearless politician and a champion of working-class Louisianans. His private life also made headlines, particularly his highly publicized affair with New Orleans burlesque star Blaze Starr.