Ray Blanton [SEP] position held
Ray Blanton
Leonard Ray Blanton (April 10, 1930 – November 22, 1996) was an American businessman and politician who served as 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, namely over the selling of pardons and liquor licenses.
Early life and Congress.
Blanton was born near Adamsville
1974 Tennessee gubernatorial election
The 1974 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Democratic nominee Ray Blanton defeated Republican nominee Lamar Alexander with 55.43% of the vote.
Primary elections.
Primary elections were held on August 1, 1974.
Primary elections Democratic primary.
Primary elections Democratic primary Candidates.
- Ray Blanton, former U.S. Representative, candidate in the 1972 U.S. Senate election.
- Jake Butcher, businessman
- Thomas A. Wiseman Jr., former Tennessee State Treasurer
- Hudley Crockett, news anchor