William Langer studied law at the University of North Dakota and Columbia University. He began his law practice at Mandan. As state's attorney of Morton County, he began making a name for himself politically. He swore out 167 warrants for arrest of liquor dealers and vice operators - and that was on his first day of work! He successfully sued Northern Pacific Railway for $1,250,000 in back taxes, establishing a reputation as an enemy of corporations.
Langer was backed by the Nonpartisan League (NPL) in his successful bid for attorney general and governor. He was daring and outrageous in his staunch support of North Dakota farmers. When the price of wheat fell low, Langer declared an embargo on North Dakota wheat until prices rose. He also declared a moratorium on farm foreclosures, even resorting to use of the National Guard to stop sheriffs' sales.
In 1934 he was found guilty of "conspiracy to obstruct federal relief legislation by soliciting political contributions from federal employees." He was removed from office, sentenced to eighteen months in prison, and fined $10,000.
It would take three more trials, but eventually Langer was acquitted of all charges.
Governor Langer was one of North Dakota's most controversial politicians. He was removed from office after a federal court found him guilty of fraud and conspiracy. After a year and a half and three more trials, the decision was overturned, and Langer was found innocent of the original charges.
After exonerating himself of all felony charges, Langer returned to the governor's office. He convinced the legislature to appropriate almost six million dollars for child welfare, old age pensions, and general relief. This amount equalled all the appropriations for the 1933-35 biennium.
In 1937 and 1938 Langer directed the State Mill and Elevator to pay well above the market price for wheat. Out-of-state millers immediately matched the State Mill's prices.
After completing his second term as governor, Langer successfully ran for U.S. Senate. However, he was not allowed to take his seat in the Senate because of charges filed against him by a petition from North Dakota citizens. A Senate investigation was launched. After three weeks of debate, the full Senate voted 52 to 30 in favor of Langer. His victory made the front page of the New York Times and other papers around the country.
After a year and a half (and four trials), Langer was cleared of federal racketeering charges. After serving a second (non-sequential) term as governor, he was elected to the United States Senate. |
