Robert F. Bradford

Robert F. Bradford

Robert Fiske Bradford (born December 15, 1902 in Boston , Massachusetts , † March 18, 1983 ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Massachusetts from 1947 to 1949 .

Early years and political advancement

Rober Bradford attended the Browne and Nichols School and then studied at Harvard University until 1923 . After completing a law degree at the law faculty of this university, he received his law degree in 1926. He became a member of the Republican Party . Between 1931 and 1935 he was Executive Secretary under Governor Joseph B. Ely . He later worked as a campaign assistant to Leverett Saltonstall in his candidacies for governor or for a seat in the US Senate . From 1939 to 1945 Bradford served as District Attorney in Middlesex County and from 1945 to 1947 he served as Lieutenant Governor's Assistant to Governor Maurice J. Tobin .

Massachusetts Governor

In 1947 Bradford was elected governor as his party's candidate against Tobin. He took office on January 2, 1947 and was able to exercise it until January 6, 1949. Governor Bradford tried to keep the state budget in balance. One focus of his policy was the fight against alcoholism. For this purpose prevention and therapy programs have been developed. During his tenure, public sector salaries were also increased. The governor also sponsored the construction of public housing for war veterans. In some strikes he acted as mediator. He also supported an aid program for people in Europe impoverished by World War II . Bradford was not re-elected in 1948.

After the end of his governorship, Robert Bradford retired from politics and became a lawyer. He was married to Rebecca C. Browne, with whom he had four children.

Web links

• Robert Bradford in the National Governors Association (English)