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Many Southern demagogues attacked the African Americans (who were not allowed to vote); this was called "playing the race card." Long never played that card, and made sure that blacks received a share of the benefits. At the same time, the level of taxation was increased markedly, much of the increase being borne by consumers directly through sales taxes. Long built a virtual personal dictatorship in Louisiana—the first (and last) in any American state—through the partisan administration of benefits, punitive actions against his opponents, and manipulation of the election laws.  In 1934 he ordered state police to confront the New Orleans Democratic Party because Mayor T. Semmes Walmsley had a formidable opposition machine. Long drew back and no shots were fired. In 1934 he reorganized the legislature to put control in the hands of his allies. He transformed local government by giving the governor power to appoint local judges, election officials and tax assessors.

Many Southern demagogues attacked the African Americans (who were not allowed to vote); this was called "playing the race card." Long never played that card, and made sure that blacks received a share of the benefits. At the same time, the level of taxation was increased markedly, much of the increase being borne by consumers directly through sales taxes. Long built a virtual personal dictatorship in Louisiana—the first (and last) in any American state—through the partisan administration of benefits, punitive actions against his opponents, and manipulation of the election laws.  In 1934 he ordered state police to confront the New Orleans Democratic Party because Mayor T. Semmes Walmsley had a formidable opposition machine. Long drew back and no shots were fired. In 1934 he reorganized the legislature to put control in the hands of his allies. He transformed local government by giving the governor power to appoint local judges, election officials and tax assessors.

== Senator ==

==Senator==

Long challenged incumbent Senator Joseph Ransdell for his seat in the [[United States Senate]] and won.  However, his Senate term began in 1931, but his term as governor did not expire until May 1932.  Long continued as governor until his hand chosen successor, O.K. Allen was elected.

Long challenged incumbent Senator Joseph Ransdell for his seat in the [[United States Senate]] and won.  However, his Senate term began in 1931, but his term as governor did not expire until May 1932.  Long continued as governor until his hand chosen successor, O.K. Allen was elected.

 

While serving as Senator, Huey Long originally supported the [[New Deal]] program, but later he recanted his support for it. He wanted [[Franklin Roosevelt|President Roosevelt]] to implement a "Share Our Wealth" program in which no American could have a personal fortune of more than $5,000,000, receive an income of greater than $1,000,000, or receive an inheritance of over $5,000,000. Any money earned after this would be divvied up and supposedly families would receive $2,000 to $2,500. His plan attracted significant support from the nation; it was estimated that he would get 10 percent the popular vote in the 1936 election against [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and [[Moderate Republican]] [[Alf Landon]].  

While serving as Senator, Huey Long originally supported the [[New Deal]] program, but later he recanted his support for it. He wanted [[Franklin Roosevelt|President Roosevelt]] to implement a "Share Our Wealth" program in which no American could have a personal fortune of more than $5,000,000, receive an income of greater than $1,000,000, or receive an inheritance of over $5,000,000. Any money earned after this would be divvied up and supposedly families would receive $2,000 to $2,500. His plan attracted significant support from the nation; it was estimated that he would get 10 percent the popular vote in the 1936 election against [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and [[Moderate Republican]] [[Alf Landon]].