Phil Saunders
American lawyer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phil Saunders (September 10, 1920 – March 15, 1997) was an American politician and soldier who fought in World War II,[1] an American attorney and 19th Attorney General of South Dakota from 1955 to 1959. Born in Milbank, South Dakota, he was married to the niece of U.S. Senator Francis Case.[2]
Phil Saunders | |
|---|---|
| |
| 19th Attorney General of South Dakota | |
| In office 1955–1959 | |
| Governor | Joe Foss |
| Preceded by | Ralph A. Dunham |
| Succeeded by | Parnell J. Donahue |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 10, 1920 Milbank, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | March 15, 1997 (aged 76) |
| Party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Northwestern University School of Law |
| Profession | Attorney |
Career
Saunders was a Republican. He graduated from the Northwestern University School of Law.[3]
1954 Attorney General election
On July 27, 1954, Saunders was nominated for attorney general at the state convention by acclamation; Governor Sigurd Anderson said he thought that was the first time the nomination for the office for a first term had been awarded without a contest.[4] Saunders defeated his general election opponent, Democrat Fred Nichols.[5][6]
1956 Attorney General election
On July 16, 1956, Saunders was nominated by acclamation at the state convention in his re-election bid.[7] In the general election, Saunders defeated Democrat William H. Heuermann by 156,149 votes to 127,988.[8]
1958 gubernatorial election
In 1958, Saunders ran for Governor of South Dakota. He defeated L. Roy Houck for the Republican nomination,[9] but lost to Democrat Ralph Herseth in the general election.