EXECUTIVE · TN · 1975-1979
Ray Blanton
Governor · Democrat · Tennessee
On the record
Removed from office 3 days early amid pardon-selling scandal — basis for film "Marie"
SEVERITY · REMOVED
Background
Leonard Ray Blanton (1930–1996) was Tennessee Governor 1975-79. Removed from office 3 days early — January 17 1979 — after "Cash for Clemency" investigation showed he was selling pardons for cash. Lt Gov John Wilder + Speaker Ned McWherter forced early successor Lamar Alexander's inauguration. Subject of the 1985 film "Marie" (about whistleblower Marie Ragghianti). Convicted 1981 of mail fraud + tax evasion.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
From the article
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Primary sources
Others who held this office in Tennessee
- Bill Lee (2019-present)
- Bill Haslam (2011-2019)
- Phil Bredesen (2003-2011)
- Don Sundquist (1995-2003)
- Ned McWherter (1987-1995)
- Lamar Alexander (1979-1987)
- Winfield Dunn (1971-1975)
- Buford Ellington (1967-1971)
- Frank G. Clement (1963-1967)
- Buford Ellington (1959-1963)
- Frank G. Clement (1953-1959)
- Gordon Browning (1949-1953)
- Jim McCord (1945-1949)