Edward Zorinsky

Edward Zorinsky (1985)

Edward Zorinsky (* 11. November 1928 in Omaha , Nebraska ; † 6. March 1987 ) was an American politician of the Democratic Party , of the State of Nebraska in the US Senate represented.

Life

Zorinsky, who always resided in Omaha, attended several universities, including the University of Minnesota , Creighton University and the University of Nebraska . He worked in the tobacco wholesale and confectionery business from 1950 until he was elected Mayor of Omaha in 1973 .

Political career

Although Zorinsky had been a Republican for most of his life , he ran as a Democrat in 1976 for the US Senate seat vacated by Roman Hruska . Zorinsky felt snubbed by the Republicans who had nominated John Y. McCollister , a member of the House of Representatives , who was also from Omaha. Somewhat surprisingly, he won the election with 53% against 47% of the vote. He was the first Nebraska Senator to vote with the Democrats since George W. Norris , who left the Senate in 1943, and the first Democratic Senator elected since Edward R. Burke in 1935.

As a senator, Zorinsky was a moderate to conservative Democrat who voted with the Republicans on a number of key issues. He was wooed by Republicans to join their party in 1982, hinting that he might actually change parties in 1986, but that move ultimately never came about.

Death and afterlife

Zorinsky died at the Omaha Press Club Ball after suffering a heart attack .

After his death, one of the largest man-made lakes in Nebraska was named after him. The Zorinsky Lake is located in Douglas County , especially in the city of Omaha.

Web links

• Edward Zorinsky in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)