Speedy Long

Speedy Oteria Long (June 16, 1928 – October 5, 2006) 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. He was a member of the Long family, a cousin of Huey Long, Earl K. Long, Russell B. Long, Gillis William Long, Jimmy D. Long and Gerald Long.

Life and career Speedy Oteria Long was born in Tullos, Louisiana, in La Salle Parish on June 16, 1928. He was given the name Speedy because he was born prematurely. He attended public schools in LaSalle and Winn Parish, graduating in 1945 from Winnfield High School. He served in the United States Navy from April 1946 to February 1948.

Instead, in 1972, Speedy Long successfully ran to be District Attorney of the 28th Judicial District, which included Caldwell and LaSalle parishes. He re-elected unopposed in 1978. He declined to seek another term in 1984, and instead ran for Governor in 1987. Long finished in a distant sixth place, winning just 1.2 percent of the vote.

After his loss in the 1987 gubernatorial election, Long returned to the practice of law. In 1994, he was appointed as a District Judge in the 28th Judicial District, serving until a successor was elected later that year. In 1995, Long ran for LaSalle Parish Sheriff, but placed fourth in the primary and did not advance to the runoff election.

Long was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 1996. He died on October 5, 2006, in Jena, Louisiana.