Owen B. Pickett
Owen B. Pickett | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district | |
In office January 3, 1987 – January 3, 2001 | |
Preceded by | G. William Whitehurst |
Succeeded by | Edward Schrock |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 81st district | |
In office January 12, 1983 – December 30, 1986 | |
Preceded by | None (district created) |
Succeeded by | Glenn R. Croshaw |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 38th district | |
In office January 13, 1982 – January 12, 1983 | |
Preceded by | Frederick H. Creekmore Tom Forehand |
Succeeded by | Nora Anderson Squyres |
Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia | |
In office 1980–1982 | |
Preceded by | Richard J. Davis |
Succeeded by | Alan Diamonstein |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 40th district | |
In office January 12, 1972 – January 13, 1982 | |
Preceded by | Richard D. Guy |
Personal details | |
Born | Richmond, Virginia | August 31, 1930
Died | October 27, 2010 Virginia Beach, Virginia | (aged 80)
Political party | Democratic |
Alma mater | Virginia Tech (B.S.) University of Richmond (LL.B.) |
Profession | Politician, lawyer |
Owen Bradford Pickett (August 31, 1930 – October 27, 2010) was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia.
Early life
Pickett was born in Richmond, Virginia on August 31, 1930. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1952 and the University of Richmond School of Law in 1955. Pickett was admitted to the Virginia State bar in 1955, and practiced law in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
State political career
Pickett served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1972 until 1986, representing a district centered on Virginia Beach. During this time, he also served as chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia from 1980 until 1982.[1]
Pickett was considered the unopposed favorite for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 1982 to run for the seat of retiring Democratic-turned-independent U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr. In announcing his candidacy, Pickett paid tribute to the Byrd Organization, the political "machine" led by Senator Byrd's father, the late Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr. The reference enraged State Senator L. Douglas Wilder of Richmond, who found Pickett's glowing references to a political machine that supported segregation unacceptable. Wilder said he would mount an independent candidacy if Pickett won the Democratic nomination.[2] Pickett realized that Wilder was serious, and concluded that he would likely lose a three-way race with Wilder and the Republican nominee, Congressman Paul Trible. He pulled out of the race, and the Democrats instead nominated Lt. Governor Richard Joseph Davis, who lost narrowly to Trible in the 1982 general election.
Congressional career
Meanwhile, voters of Virginia's 2nd congressional district elected Pickett in 1986 to become their U.S. Representative. Re-elected several times (and facing no opponent in 1998), Pickett represented the district from January 3, 1987 until January 3, 2001, announcing in 2000 that he was not a candidate for reelection to the 107th Congress. The Owen B. Pickett U.S. Custom House in Norfolk, Virginia was named in his honor in 2001.
Electoral history
- 1986; Pickett defeated Republican A. Joe Canada Jr. and Independent Stephen P. Shao, winning 49.48% of the vote.
- 1988; Pickett defeated Republican Jerry R. Curry and Independents Stephen P. Shao and Robert A. Smith, winning 60.55% of the vote.
- 1990; Pickett defeated Independent Harry G. Broskie, winning 77.61% of the vote.
- 1992; Pickett defeated Republican J.L. Chapman, winning 56.03% of the vote.
- 1994; Pickett defeated Republican Chapman, winning 59.05% of the vote.
- 1996; Pickett defeated Republican John F. Tate, winning 57.72% of the vote.
- 1998; Pickett was unopposed for re-election in 1998.
Death
Pickett died on October 27, 2010 after several years of ill health.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Former Va congressman Owen Pickett dies at 80". WTKR. October 28, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Barone, Michael; Ujifusa, Grant (1987). The Almanac of American Politics 1988. p. 1227.
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External links
- United States Congress. "Owen B. Pickett (id: P000326)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- 1930 births
- 2010 deaths
- Members of the Virginia House of Delegates
- Democratic Party of Virginia chairs
- Virginia lawyers
- Politicians from Richmond, Virginia
- University of Richmond School of Law alumni
- Virginia Tech alumni
- Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia
- 20th-century American politicians
- Lawyers from Richmond, Virginia
- 20th-century American lawyers
- Virginia United States Representative stubs