Blair Richendifer
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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.
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]