Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 7th district
In office January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1973
Preceded by
Tom J. Murray
Succeeded by
Robin Beard (Redistricting)
Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 26th Floterial district
In office 1965–1967
Preceded by
William Berry
Succeeded by
Buford Reed
Personal details
Born
Leonard Ray Blanton
(1930-04-10)April 10, 1930 Hardin County, Tennessee, U.S.
Died
November 22, 1996(1996-11-22) (aged 66) Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
Political party
Democratic
Spouses
Betty Littlefield
(m. 1949; div. 1979)
Karen Flint
(m. 1988)
Education
University of Tennessee (BS)
Leonard Ray Blanton (April 10, 1930 – November 22, 1996)[1][2] was an American businessman and politician who served as the 44th governor of Tennessee from 1975 to 1979. He also served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1967 to 1973. Though he initiated a number of government reforms and was instrumental in bringing foreign investment to Tennessee, his term as governor was marred by scandal over the selling of pardons and liquor licenses.[1]
^ abFred Rolater, "Leonard Ray Blanton", Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, 2009. Retrieved: December 31, 2012.
^"Former Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton Dead at 66", Associated Press, November 22, 1996. Accessed: December 31, 2012.
Leonard RayBlanton (April 10, 1930 – November 22, 1996) was an American businessman and politician who served as the 44th governor of Tennessee from...
many powers at the time, but used the position to publicize his views. RayBlanton was governor from 1975 to 1979. He was forced from office days early...
politician Jimmy Blanton, American jazz double bassist Kendall Blanton, American football player Kirby Bliss Blanton, American actress. RayBlanton, American...
ran for Governor of Tennessee in 1974, but was defeated by Democrat RayBlanton. Alexander ran for governor again in 1978, and this time defeated his...
Democratic Party nomination for governor of Tennessee, but he lost to RayBlanton in the primary. After a bitter contest, Butcher earned the nomination...
Democratic Governor RayBlanton to obtain clemency. With Thompson's assistance, Ragghianti filed a wrongful termination suit against Blanton's office. During...
time. Democratic nominee RayBlanton defeated Republican opponent Lamar Alexander with 55.4% of the vote. With this win, Blanton flipped the state back...
Joseph Matthew Blanton (born December 11, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the...
One-term Republican Howard Baker was re-elected. He defeated Democrat RayBlanton. Incumbent Republican John Tower was re-elected. The special election...
character for Wilder; in 1979 he had acquiesced in the ouster of Governor RayBlanton three days before his term was supposed to end after a series of controversial...
to allow a governor to succeed himself, Incumbent Democratic governor RayBlanton chose not to seek re-election. Republican Lamar Alexander once again...
Ellington Democratic nominee for Governor of Tennessee 1970 Succeeded by RayBlanton Preceded by Phil Bredesen Democratic nominee for Governor of Tennessee...
Treasurer In office March 31, 1974 – January 17, 1987 Governor Winfield Dunn RayBlanton Lamar Alexander Preceded by Thomas A. Wiseman, Jr. Succeeded by Steve...
1975 Lieutenant John Wilder Preceded by Buford Ellington Succeeded by RayBlanton Personal details Born Bryant Winfield Culberson Dunn (1927-07-01) July...
cash-for-clemency scandal in the administration of Governor RayBlanton. Marie Ragghianti, whom Blanton had appointed to chair the Board of Pardons and Paroles...
Duncan Sr. (R) William Anderson (D) George W. Grider (D) 90th (1967–1969) RayBlanton (D) Dan Kuykendall (R) 91st (1969–1971) Ed Jones (D) 92nd (1971–1973)...
state, Crowell witnessed Governor RayBlanton's signature on the pardons and commutations of prison sentences that Blanton notoriously issued shortly before...
Busbee (D) Julian Carroll (D) David L. Boren (D) James B. Edwards (R) RayBlanton (D) 1976 Cliff Finch (D) 1977 James B. Hunt, Jr. (D) Jay Rockefeller...
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