Louisiana, 1956

[Schmitz in 1972]

Is there any explanation for this state's out-of-nowhere switch from Stevenson to Eisenhower between the 1952 and 1956 elections?

Before 1956, Louisiana had never voted Republican, and in 1952 went for Stevenson by a margin similar to next door Arkansas. Four years later, as the margins in nearby Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas stay fairly constant, Louisiana has this ridiculous swing of more than ten points to Eisenhower. I'm at a loss to come up with a reason that wouldn't also substantially affect the vote in Louisiana's neighbors.

[Schmitz in 1972]

I don't think that really explains it Ben

1952 (E: 55% S: 44%)
Arkansas
S: 56%
E: 44%

Louisiana
S: 53%
E: 47%

1956 (E: 57% S: 42%)
Arkansas
S: 52%
E: 46%

Louisiana
E: 53%
S: 40%
U: 7%

In 1956, even if you combine Stevenson and the Unpledged ticket, it's still a 12 point swing, which isn't insignificant, being twice as big as the swing in Arkansas, and three times as big as the swing of the nation. Plus, if anything, I would expect the presence of an unpledged slate to take votes away from Eisenhower (compare South Carolina in 1952 and 1956 to see what I mean).