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Linwood Holton was born on September 21, 1923
at Big Stone Gap in Wise County. He attended public school and
graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1944. After serving
in World War II, Holton attended Harvard Law School and earned
his degree in 1949. He began his law practice in Roanoke.
Holton was deeply involved
in politics during the 1950's, serving as the Chairman of Roanoke's
Republican Committee. In the 60's, Holton ran for various public
offices, but was not elected. In 1968, Holton served on the six-man
committee that handled President Nixon's nomination bid and became
a regional coordinator for Nixon's campaign. In 1969, Holton
was elected Governor, serving from 1970-1974. Holton's campaign
slogan "It's Time For A Change" partially referred
to the fact that Virginia had not had a Republican Governor since
1884. As Governor, Holton championed racial quality and increased
the employment and appointment of African-Americans and women
in state government. |