Russell B. Long
1918–2003 (age 85)
U.S. Senator
Biography
Born into Louisiana's storied Long political family, Russell B. Long served in the United States Senate from 1948 to 1987, becoming one of the chamber's most respected voices on fiscal matters. During those decades he championed the interests of Louisiana farmers and planters and helped guide Social Security and tax legislation through the Finance Committee.
Colleagues remembered him for his thoughtful, folksy style, his willingness to listen, and his efforts to forge consensus between different regions of the country.