Ralph Kelly (December 6, 1920 – December 25, 2005) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 35th district from 1973 to 1981.
Ralph Kelly | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 35th district | |
| In office January 3, 1973 – January 7, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Don Elrod |
| Succeeded by | Howard Peterson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 6, 1920 |
| Died | December 25, 2005 (aged 85) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Patricia Stone (m. 1941) |
| Children | 3 (Michael, Erin, Michele) |
| Education | University of Nebraska–Lincoln Utah State College |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Early life
editKelly was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, in 1920.[1] He graduated from Grand Island Senior High School and later attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Utah State College.[1] Kelly served in World War II as a member of the United States Army Air Corps.[1] Upon returning, he worked in Grand Island, and worked for the Kelly Supply Company, his family's plumbing supply business, with his brother.[2][3]
Nebraska Legislature
editIn 1972, State Senator Don Elrod ran for re-election in the 35th district, which was based in Hall County.[4] Kelly, along with former County Supervisor George Clayton, ran against Elrod.[5] Elrod narrowly placed first in the nonpartisan primary, winning 38 percent of the vote to Kelly's 37 percent and Elrod's 25 percent.[6] They advanced to the general election, where Kelly ultimately defeated Elrod, winning 55–45 percent.[6][7]
Kelly ran for re-election in 1976,[8] and was challenged by former Hall County Register of Deeds Rose Ann Jacobsen.[9] In the primary, Kelly placed first by a wide margin, receiving 72 percent of the vote to Jacobsen's 28 percent.[10] In the general election, Kelly won re-election in a landslide, winning 73 percent of the vote.[10][11]
In 1980, Kelly announced that he would not seek re-election to a third term, noting that he wanted "to move onto other activities."[2]
Death
editKelly died on December 25, 2005.[3]
References
edit- 1 2 3 Nebraska Blue Book 1978-1979 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1979. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
- 1 2 Wolgamott, L. Kent (February 20, 1980). "Kelly won't seek 3rd term". Grand Island Independent. p. 1. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Pore, Robert (December 28, 2005). "Islanders remember 'true public servant'". Grand Island Independent. p. 1-B. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Sen. Elrod Is Seeking Re-Election". Grand Island Independent. January 19, 1972. p. 3. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Ralph Kelly Seeks Seat In Unicam". Grand Island Independent. March 8, 1972. p. 1. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1972). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 9, 1972, General Election, November 7, 1972 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Martin Holds One-Vote Lead; Elrod Is Defeated". Grand Island Independent. November 8, 1972. p. 1. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Kelly Plans Campaign". Grand Island Independent. February 14, 1976. p. 1. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Filing Deadline Approaches For Public Offices in Area". Grand Island Independent. February 27, 1976. p. 8. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1976). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 11, 1976, General Election, November 2, 1976 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Seven Outstate Freshmen Are Headed for Legislature". Omaha World-Herald. November 3, 1976. p. 4. Retrieved April 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.