Don Blandford
Donald Joseph Blandford (born April 4, 1938) is an American retired politician in the state of Kentucky. A Democrat, he was a longtime Kentucky state legislator and served as Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives until his indictment and conviction for bribery.
Don Blandford | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives | |
| In office 1985–1993 | |
| Preceded by | Bobby H. Richardson |
| Succeeded by | Joe Clarke |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 14th district | |
| In office January 1, 1968 – May 3, 1993 | |
| Preceded by | R. E. Hale |
| Succeeded by | Mark Treesh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Donald Joseph Blandford April 4, 1938 Owensboro, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Philpot, Kentucky |
Born in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1938, Blandford was a meat cutter (butcher) who lived in Philpot, Kentucky, and represented the 14th District in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1968 to 1993. In January 1985 Blandford unseated Speaker of the House Bobby H. Richardson to assume that office himself.
Blandford served as Speaker of the House for eight years, which at the time was a record. He played an essential role in the passage of major education reform legislation in 1990. He was considered a very strong, powerful and influential Speaker.