Paul A. Richie
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Albert Richie[1][2] (December 20, 1893 – February 7, 1973) was an American educator, farmer and politician who served four terms in the California State Assembly for the 79th district from 1935 to 1943.[3]
Paul A. Richie | |
|---|---|
Richie c. 1940 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 79th district | |
| In office January 7, 1935 – January 4, 1943 | |
| Preceded by | Bruce R. Stannard |
| Succeeded by | Kathryn Niehouse |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 20, 1893 Mondovi, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | February 7, 1973 (aged 79) El Cajon, California, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic (after 1934) Socialist (before 1934) |
| Education | University of Michigan Ferris Institute |
| Occupation | Schoolteacher, farmer, laborer |
Career
Richie was one of two dozen "EPIC Democrats" elected to the state legislature in 1934.[4][5] Before his election, he was a member of the Socialist Party.[6] He remained a life-long advocate for socialism.[7][8] During his time in the Assembly, he was one of only three members to vote against removing the Communist Party's ballot access,[3] and the only one to vote against a bill banning Communists from working for the state of California.[9] He was defeated by Republican Kathryn Niehouse in his bid for a fifth term, after which he returned to citrus farming.[10]
During the 1940 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Richie joined a left-wing slate pledged to lieutenant governor Ellis E. Patterson for president.[11] They opposed incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt on the grounds he was focusing too much on foreign affairs and not enough on domestic unemployment.[12] The Patterson slate lost to Roosevelt's by a margin of fifteen to one.[13]
Works
- Five Men in a Boat (1933). San Diego: San Diego Printing Co.
