William B. Fitzgerald Jr.
William B. Fitzgerald was a Democratic politician who served in both houses of the Michigan Legislature and was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1978.[1]
William B. Fitzgerald Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 7th Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate | |
| In office 1975–1976 | |
| Preceded by | Milton Zaagman |
| Succeeded by | William Faust |
| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 1st district | |
| In office January 1, 1975 – December 31, 1978 | |
| Preceded by | George S. Fitzgerald |
| Succeeded by | John F. Kelly |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 12th district 4th District (1971-1972) | |
| In office January 1, 1971 – December 31, 1974 | |
| Preceded by | William B. Fitzgerald |
| Succeeded by | Dennis Hertel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 12, 1942 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | February 3, 2008 (aged 65) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret |
| Alma mater | Detroit College of Law Western Michigan University |
| Occupation | Attorney, politician |
Early life
Born in Detroit in 1942, Fitzgerald graduated from Austin Catholic Prep School and earned his bachelor's degree at Western Michigan University where he played college basketball. He earned his J.D. at the Detroit College of Law and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. While at law school, he taught and coached basketball at St. Martin High School in Detroit, and after graduating, Fitzgerald practiced law in Detroit.[2]
Political career
Fitzgerald was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1970, succeeding his father, William B. Fitzgerald, who had suffered a heart attack and died in office that year. Four years later, he was elected to the Michigan Senate and was elected by his caucus to be majority leader before he had been formally sworn as a senator. He was, and remains, the youngest majority leader in state history. While majority leader, in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Fitzgerald advanced legislation creating new standards of disclosure of outside income by public officials, the state's first code of ethics in statute, and public disclosure of campaign expenses. Additionally, he helped create the state's first "rainy day fund."[3]
In mid-1975, committees were formed to choose Fitzgerald as the Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan in 1978, challenging William Milliken. He campaigned on economic development, political reform, and environmental standards, but lost to the incumbent by 13 points. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1982, but lost to eventual Governor James Blanchard.[4]
Later life
After his second bid for governor, Fitzgerald focused on his practice of law. He married Margaret O'Neill in 1986, and was named a distinguished alumnus by Western Michigan University.[5]
Fitzgerald died in February 2008 from colon cancer, aged 65.[6] Fitzgerald was interred at Saint Paul Cemetery in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.[7]
References
- The Political Graveyard:Fitzgerald, William B. Jr.
- 1977-1978 Michigan Manual: William B. Fitzgerald
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 25 (2008): A concurrent resolution offered as a memorial for William B. Fitzgerald Jr., former Senate Majority Leader and member of the House of Representatives
- Dome Magazine: Senator William B. Fitzgerald Jr.—A Special Remembrance
- Grosse Pointe News: Obituary: William B. Fitzgerald
- Gongwer News Service (February 4, 2008): Bill Fitzgerald, Senate Leader In Post-Watergate Era, Gov. Candidate, Dies
- "Vernon William B. Fitzgerald Jr. Memorial". Find a Grave. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sander Levin |
Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan 1978 |
Succeeded by James Blanchard |