The Battle to Save Huey P. Long: Saga of a Round Robineer

Louisiana political history has produced few figures as colorful, or as controversial, as Huey P. Long, known as "The Kingfish." His rapid rise from governor to U.S. Senator, along with his powerful national following through the Share Our Wealth movement, made him one of the most influential political figures of his time. But Long's career nearly ended before it truly began. In 1929, during his second year as Louisiana's governor, anti-Long forces in the House of Representatives launched an impeachment effort designed to remove him from office and permanently end his political future. Eight Articles of Impeachment were delivered to the Louisiana Senate, where conviction on even one charge would have forced Long from office and barred him from ever holding public office again. State Senator William Cordia Boone became one of the men determined to stop what he believed was an illegal and unconstitutional proceeding. Along with fourteen other senators, Boone signed the famous "Round Robin," a pledge refusing to vote for conviction. Their stand brought the impeachment trial to a sudden end and saved Huey Long's career. The Battle to Save Huey P. Long: The Saga of A Round Robineer presents Boone's defense of the Round Robineers and the political storm that followed. With editor's commentaries providing historical context, this book explores loyalty, power, political courage, and the heavy personal cost of standing against the tide.