Gerald Stromer
American politician (1942–2020)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gerald "Jerry" A. Stromer (December 25, 1942 – October 24, 2020) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 36th district from 1971 to 1975.
Gerald Stromer | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 36th district | |
| In office January 5, 1971 – January 8, 1975 | |
| Preceded by | Leslie Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Ron Cope |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 25, 1942 |
| Died | October 24, 2020 (aged 77) |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Kearney State College (B.A., M.S.) University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Occupation | Counselor, congressional staffer, lobbyist |
Early life
Stromer was born in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1942.[1] He attended Kearney State College, graduating with his bachelor's and master's degrees.[1] After graduation, Stromer worked as a counselor at the college and was active in the Nebraska Republican Party, serving as the secretary of the Nebraska Young Republicans.[2]
Nebraska Legislature
In 1966, State Senator Richard Lysinger declined to seek a third term, and Stromer ran to succeed him in the 36th district, which included Buffalo and Hall counties.[3] In the nonpartisan primary, he faced Ralph Lancaster, the superintendent of the Kearney Water Department, and Leslie Robinson, a farmer.[4] Stromer narrowly placed third in the primary, receiving 27 percent of the vote to Lancaster's 30 percent and Robinson's 43 percent,[5] and did not advance to the general election.[6]
Robinson ran for re-election in 1970,[7] and Stromer ran against him.[2] He placed first in the primary election, winning 46 percent of the vote to Robinson's 42 percent and farmer Rudolph Axman's 11 percent.[8][9] Stromer and Robinson proceeded to the general election. On election night, Robinson led Stromer by 19 votes,[10] but after all votes were counted, Stromer led by 26 votes.[11] Robinson requested a recount, which confirmed that Stromer won by 23 votes.[9][12]
1974 congressional campaign
In 1974, Republican Congressman David Martin declined to seek re-election, and Stromer ran in the Republican primary to succeed him in the 3rd district.[13] He faced McCook Mayor Don Blank, rancher Ronald Blauvelt, reverend Gerald Lundby, college instructor Jack Langford, Republican activist Virginia Smith, fellow State Senator J. James Waldron, and insurance salesman Jim Wenger.[14] Stromer ultimately placed third by a narrow margin, receiving 19 percent of the vote to Smith's 21 percent.[15][16]
Post-legislative career
Stromer was named the executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials beginning in 1977.[17] In 1978, the executive board of the association requested Stromer's resignation.[18]
In 1979, Stromer moved to Washington, D.C., to join the staff of Republican Congressman Jim Jeffries, who represented Kansas's 2nd district.[19] He later served as a lobbyist for the Synthetic Fuels Corporation and the U.S. Agency for International Development, and served in the office of public liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.[20]
Death
Stromer died on October 24, 2020.[21]