Robert Stafford

Robert Stafford was an American politician and attorney who served as a United States Senator from Vermont for nearly two decades. A member of the Republican Party, he held numerous high offices in his home state, including Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and the 71st Governor of Vermont. Stafford is best remembered as a dedicated environmentalist and education advocate, with landmark federal legislation bearing his name.

Early life and education

Born in Rutland, he was the son of Bert Stafford and Mabel (Stickney) Stafford. He attended local schools before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College in 1935. Stafford then pursued a legal education, receiving his Bachelor of Laws from Boston University School of Law in 1938. He was admitted to the bar that same year and commenced practice in his hometown of Rutland. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy.

Political career

His political career began with his election as State's attorney for Rutland County in 1947. He quickly ascended in Vermont politics, serving as the state's Attorney General from 1955 to 1957. Stafford was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1952 and won the governorship in 1958, serving a single two-year term from 1959 to 1961. In 1960, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he represented Vermont's at-large congressional district for over a decade.

U.S. Senate tenure

He was appointed to the United States Senate in September 1971 following the death of Senator Winston L. Prouty and was subsequently elected to three full terms. In the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, he championed the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. His most enduring legislative achievement is the 1984 law that bears his name, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which governs federal response to natural disasters. He also co-authored the landmark Stafford Loan program, part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which provides low-interest loans to college students.

Later life and legacy

Choosing not to seek re-election in 1988, he retired from the United States Senate and was succeeded by Jim Jeffords. In retirement, he remained active in civic affairs in Vermont. Stafford received numerous honors, including awards from the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Wildlife Federation. The Robert T. Stafford Center at Norwich University and the Robert Stafford Hall at the University of Vermont are named in his honor. He passed away in Rutland in 2006.

Personal life

He married Helen Kelley in 1934, and they remained together until her death in 2005. The couple had three children: Robert Stafford Jr., Diane Stafford Kinney, and Sarah Stafford Patten. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fly fishing and hiking in the Green Mountains. Stafford was a lifelong member of the Grace Congregational Church in Rutland and was known for his moderate Rockefeller Republican philosophy and bipartisan approach to governance.

Category:1913 births Category:2006 deaths Category:United States Senators from Vermont