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Walter Walker (politician)

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For the British general, see Walter Walker (General).
Walter Walker
United States Senator
from Colorado
In office
September 26, 1932 – December 6, 1932
Preceded byCharles W. Waterman
Succeeded byKarl C. Schuyler
Chairman of the Colorado Democratic State Committee[1]
In office
September 18, 1930[1] – September 22, 1932[2]
Preceded byThomas Annear[1]
Succeeded byJames A. Marsh[2]
Personal details
Born(1883-04-03)April 3, 1883
Marion, Kentucky
DiedOctober 8, 1956(1956-10-08) (aged 73)
Grand Junction, Colorado
Political partyDemocratic
ProfessionNewspaper owner and editor

Walter Walker (April 3, 1883 – October 8, 1956) was a newspaper owner and editor in Colorado who served as Democratic United States Senator in late 1932 after being appointed to fill a vacancy pending a special election.

Early life

Walker was born in Marion, Kentucky on April 3, 1883.[3] The son of Robert C. Walker, the owner of the Crittenden Press newspaper, Walter Walker was educated locally, and then moved to Colorado in 1903.[3][4]

After settling in Grand Junction, Walker worked in the newspaper business, eventually becoming editor, manager, and chief owner of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.[3] Walker's staff included Dalton Trumbo, whom Walker hired as a reporter in 1920, and employed for four years.[5] In addition to running the newspaper, Walker was a civic activist, and his efforts included management of Grand Junction's successful lyceum.[6]

Political career

During the 1920s revival of the Ku Klux Klan, Walker was an early member.[7] He subsequently turned against the group, and published editorials in opposition. In September 1925, several local Klan leaders including a deputy sheriff and a police officer assaulted Walker as he walked from the barber shop to his newspaper office.[8] Others on the street eventually intervened, and before leaving to seek medical aid Walker informed the Klan members that physical intimidation would not prevent him from continuing his anti-Klan campaign.[8] In 1924, 1928, and 1932, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.[9] From 1930 to 1932 he served as chairman of Colorado's Democratic state committee.[1][2]

On September 26, 1932, Walker was appointed to the U.S. Senate, temporarily filling the vacancy caused by the death of Charles W. Waterman.[3] He ran in the special election for the remainder of the term, but was defeated by Republican Karl C. Schuyler.[10] Walker served until December 6, 1932, when Schuyler was sworn in.[11]

Later career

Walker resumed his work in the newspaper business following the completion of his Senate service. In 1936, he was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.[9] Later that year, he was a presidential elector for the ticket of Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Nance Garner. In 1940, 1944, 1948, and 1952, he was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.[9]

Death and burial

Walker died in Grand Junction on October 8, 1956.[4] He was interred at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction.

Family

In November 1903, Walker married Kathie Wood of Kentucky.[3] They were the parents of a son, Preston.[3]

Legacy

The stadium at Colorado Mesa University is named for Walter Walker and his son Preston.

In recognition of his advocacy for air service to Grand Junction, the Grand Junction Regional Airport was named for Walker from 1942 until its 2007 expansion. The airport's terminal, fire station, and Walker Boulevard are all named in his honor.

The Walter Walker State Wildlife Area near Grand Junction is also named for Walker.

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Walter Walker Leads Democrats".
  2. ^ a b c "James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats".
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Walker Named to U.S. Senate".
  4. ^ a b "Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction".
  5. ^ Dalton Trumbo: Blacklisted Hollywood Radical.
  6. ^ "Walter Walker, Lyceum Law Breaker".
  7. ^ Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado.
  8. ^ a b "The Assault on Walker".
  9. ^ a b c Colorado's U.S. Senators: A Biographical Guide, 1876-2004.
  10. ^ "Colorado Republican Carries Off Victory".
  11. ^ "Takes Seat in Senate".

Sources

Newspapers

  • "The Assault on Walker". Steamboat Pilot. Steamboat, CO. September 16, 1925. p. 1.
  • "Walter Walker Leads Democrats". Greeley Daily Tribune. Greeley, CO. September 19, 1930. p. 12. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |Associated Press= (help); Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "James Marsh New Chairman of Democrats". Greeley Daily Tribune. Greeley, CO. Associated Press. September 23, 1932. p. 1. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "Walker Named to U.S. Senate". Ironwood Daily Globe. Ironwood, MI. Associated Press. September 27, 1932. p. 2. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "Colorado Republican Carries Off Victory: Final Returns Show Schuyler Victory Over Walter Walker". Lincoln Star. Lincoln, NE. United Press International. November 20, 1932. p. 4. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "Takes Seat in Senate". Lincoln Evening Journal. Lincoln, NE. December 5, 1932. p. 1. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  • "Walter Walker, 73, Dies Suddenly at Grand Junction". Greeley Daily Tribune. Greeley, CO. Associated Press. October 9, 1956. p. 7. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)

Books

Magazines

U.S. Senate
Preceded by U.S. Senator (Class 2) from Colorado
1932 		Succeeded by


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