Kenneth M. Curtis

Kenneth Merwin Curtis (born February 8, 1931) is an American attorney, politician, and diplomat. He is currently a principal in the law firm of Curtis Thaxter Stevens Broder & Micoleau.

For the American singer and actor, see Ken Curtis.

Kenneth M. Curtis
United States Ambassador to Canada
In office October 5, 1979 – January 20, 1981
President	Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	Thomas O. Enders
Succeeded by	Paul H. Robinson Jr.
Chair of the Democratic National Committee
In office January 21, 1977 – January 27, 1978
Preceded by	Robert S. Strauss
Succeeded by	John C. White
68th Governor of Maine
In office January 5, 1967 – January 2, 1975
Preceded by	John H. Reed
Succeeded by	James B. Longley
Secretary of State of Maine
In office 1965–1966
Governor	John H. Reed
Preceded by	Paul A. MacDonald
Succeeded by	Joseph T. Edgar
Personal details
Born	Kenneth Merwin Curtis (1931-02-08) February 8, 1931 Leeds, Maine, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Pauline "Polly" Curtis

Early life and education

Curtis was born in Leeds, Maine and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Maine Maritime Academy in 1952. He rose to the rank of lieutenant commander in the United States Navy before receiving his Juris Doctor from University of Maine School of Law. Curtis received an LL.D. from Bates College in 1981.

Career

Curtis, a member of the Democratic Party, served as the Secretary of State of Maine from 1965 to 1966, before becoming the 68th Governor in 1967. He held the office until 1975. Curtis served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1977 to 1978 and Ambassador to Canada from 1979 to 1981. In 1984, Curtis was elected to the Common Cause National Governing Board.

Curtis served as President of Maine Maritime Academy. He was also Chairman of the Environmental Task Force of the National Governors' Conference in the early 1970s.

As a registered voter in Florida, Curtis temporarily lost his superdelegate vote in the 2008 Democratic National Convention when the Democratic Party ruled against seating any delegates from Florida because Florida had moved the date of its primary to a date earlier than permitted under party rules. Curtis, a supporter of Hillary Clinton's campaign for president, stated that he might not attend the convention.[1][2] Subsequently, the Democratic National Committee Rules and By-laws Committee voted to seat all Florida delegates, including superdelegates, but with only half-votes.

Personal life

Curtis is semi-retired, currently residing in Siesta Key, Florida. He is a Protestant.

References

1. Walsh, Tom (2008-02-27). "Two of Maine's Super Delegates Are Ineligible". The Ellsworth American. Archived from the original on 2007-06-19.
2. "Superdelegate from Maine moves to Florida - Superdelegate total now 794" (blog). 2008 Democratic Convention Watch. 2008-02-28.

External links

• curtisthaxter.com Kenneth Curtis biography
• Appearances on C-SPAN

Political offices
Preceded by Paul A. MacDonald	Secretary of State of Maine 1965–1966	Succeeded by Joseph T. Edgar
Preceded by John H. Reed	Governor of Maine 1967–1975	Succeeded by James B. Longley
Party political offices
Preceded by Maynard Dolloff	Democratic nominee for Governor of Maine 1966, 1970	Succeeded by George J. Mitchell
Preceded by Robert S. Strauss	Chairman of the Democratic National Committee 1977 – 1978	Succeeded by John C. White
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Thomas O. Enders	Ambassador to Canada 1979–1981	Succeeded by Paul H. Robinson, Jr.