Oscar Kelly Allen 1932-1936

Born: August 8, 1882 near Winnfield, Louisiana
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Education: Springfield Normal and Business College (Missouri)
Career Prior to Term: State Senator and Chairman of the Louisiana Highway Commission
How He Became Governor: Elected in 1932
Career after Term: Died in office
Died: January 28, 1936 in Baton Rouge, Lousiana of a cerebral hemmorrhage

O. K. Allen, an associate of Huey Long's since their early days in Winnfield, was handpicked by him to head the "Complete the Work" ticket of Longite candidates in 1932. Allen had been Long's legislative floor leader in the State Senate and his Chairman of the Highway Commission.

Allen had no misconceptions about his source of power, calling his term the Long-Allen administration. Long directed state operations from Washington D. C. with a daily phone call to Allen.

Allen's administration coincided with the worst of the Great Depression in Louisiana. Local government looked to the state to pay for services formerly provided by local school boards and police juries. This added to Long's power and to the power of the executive office. Meanwhile, the state became more dependent on Federal dollars and Allen became a resource for local governments applying for Federal funds. He also cooperated with New Deal agencies providing relief to the needy.

Later, parroting Long, Allen criticized FDR, leading to the cancellation of public works programs. After Huey's death, Allen won the primary to succeed him in the U. S. Senate but never had the opportunity to serve.

In 1936, he died in the Executive Mansion of a brain hemorrage.

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