Blair Richendifer
Blair Richendifer | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 16th district | |
| In office May 10, 1972 – January 8, 1975 | |
| Preceded by | Claire Holmquist |
| Succeeded by | Walter George |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 11, 1928 |
| Died | November 23, 1999 (aged 71) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Marjorie A. Kuhn (m. 1951) |
| Children | 5 (Vicky, Paula, Martin, Alisa, Mary) |
| Education | Hastings College St. Louis College of Mortuary Science |
| Occupation | Funeral director, furniture store owner |
Blair K. Richendifer (November 11, 1928 – November 23, 1999) was a Democratic politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 16th district from 1972 to 1975.
Early life
Richendifer was born in Bladen, Nebraska, in 1928.[1] He attended Bladen High School and attended Hastings College and the St. Louis College of Mortuary Science.[1] Richendifer settled in Walthill, where he owned and operated a funeral home and furniture store.[1] He served as chairman of the Thurston County Democratic Party and as mayor of Walthill.[1]
Nebraska Legislature
On April 26, 1972, State Senator Claire Holmquist unexpectedly died,[2] and Governor J. James Exon appointed Richendifer to serve as the senator from the 16th district until a special election could be held later in the year.[3]
Richendifer ran in the ensuing special election, and was challenged by fellow Democrat Charles Brodersen, a farmer, and Republican Roy Brown, a former Blair city administrator and city councilman.[4] Because the vacancy occurred too close to the May primary election, all candidates appeared on the general election ballot. He narrowly won re-election, receiving 36 percent of the vote to Brodersen's 34 percent and Brown's 30 percent.[5][6]
In 1974, Richendifer ran for a full term,[7] and was challenged by Blair City Councilman Walter George.[8] In the primary election, Richendifer placed first, winning 56 percent of the vote to George's 44 percent.[9] They advanced to the general election,[10] which George narrowly won, defeating Richendifer, 53–47 percent.[9][11]
Post-legislative career
In 1976, Richendifer ran for the Nebraska Public Service Commission from the 3rd district.[12] He faced restaurant owner Donald Jensen in the Democratic primary, and lost by a wide margin, receiving 38 percent of the vote to Jensen's 62 percent.[13][14]
Richendifer retired to Issaquah, Washington, in 1983, for the milder climate and to be closer to several of his children.[15]
Death
Richendifer died on November 23, 1999.[15]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Nebraska Blue Book 1972 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1973. Retrieved April 30, 2026.
- ↑ "Sen. Holmquist Dies After Tumor Removed". Lincoln Evening Journal. April 26, 1972. p. 21. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "New Senator Seeks Longer Job 'Lease'". Omaha World-Herald. May 11, 1972. p. 46. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Rice, Ginger (October 30, 1972). "Eight Races Will Bring New Faces To State U nicam". Lincoln Journal. p. 6, 11. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Beermann, Allen J. (1972). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 9, 1972, General Election, November 7, 1972 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 30, 2026.
- ↑ "Incumbents do well in Unicam races". Star-Herald. Scottsbluff, Nebraska. November 9, 1972. p. 16. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Richendifer To Run Again". Lincoln Evening Journal. February 13, 1974. p. 23. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Blair man seeking legislative seat". Fremont Tribune. January 9, 1974. p. 9. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1974). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 14, 1974, General Election, November 5, 1974 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 30, 2026.
- ↑ "Few Surprises in State Legislative Races". Lincoln Evening Journal. May 15, 1974. p. 45. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Barrette, John (November 7, 1974). "2 New Senators Well Educated: George Ready For Unicameral". Lincoln Evening Journal. p. 30. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Richendifer Files For PSC Post". Lincoln Evening Journal. January 14, 1976. p. 23. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Beermann, Allen J. (1976). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 11, 1976, General Election, November 2, 1976 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 30, 2026.
- ↑ "Durand Wins 'Name Fight' For Service Commission". Omaha World-Herald. May 12, 1976. p. 35. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 "Former State Sen. Richendifer Dies at Age 71". Omaha World-Herald. November 27, 1999. p. 42. Retrieved April 30, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.