Albert Rosellini
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Albert Dean Rosellini (born January 21, 1910) is a businessman from the U.S. state of Washington. Rosellini is a member of the Democratic Party and served in the Washington Legislature before his term as Governor (1957–1965). Rosellini is currently the oldest living former Governor in the United States. He was nicknamed "Taxellini" by his detractors and "The Gov." by his supporters.
Rosellini was born in Tacoma, Washington. He was a lawyer and was vilified for defending the son of family friends, Frank Colacurcio Sr., from a rape charge. He was elected to the Washington Senate from the 33rd district, where he served from 1939 to 1947. Rosellini was governor from 1957 to 1965. The longest floating bridge in the world, which carries Washington State Route 520 over Lake Washington from Seattle to Medina, is named after him: though commonly known as the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, the bridge's official name is the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge–Evergreen Point.
Rosellini is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. In 1962, he was the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Alleged reports have been filed with law enforcement that have Rosellini either linked or involved in Organized Crime.
After politics, Rosellini tried to return to law but was turned down by the Bar Association. Rosellini decided to become a business and political consultant, owning a gas station, convenience store, car wash, and various properties, also investing in a business broker company and an oil firm, Fortune Oil Company, Inc. Remaining active in the political arena, Rosellini attends fundraisers and helps candidates raise funds for campaigns.
In 2003, Rosellini was reported to have delivered campaign contributions to Seattle City Council members on behalf of Seattle racketeer Frank Colacurcio, Sr. in the "Strippergate" case. However, he was not charged in the case, and King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng stated, "There was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on the part of former Governor Albert Rosellini."[1]
At age 96, Rosellini is still active in politics, is influential in the Democratic Party, and remains an active businessman. He has served as mentor to many political figures, including current Washington governor Christine Gregoire.
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ Modie, Neil and Sam Skolnik. "Two Colacurcios face charges over 'Strippergate'", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 2005-07-13.
| Preceded by Arthur Langlie |
Governor of Washington 1957–1965 |
Succeeded by Dan Evans |
| Governors of Washington |  |
|---|---|
| Ferry • McGraw • Rogers • McBride • Mead • Cosgrove • Hay • Lister • Hart • Hartley • Martin • Langlie • Wallgren • Langlie • Rosellini • Evans • Ray • Spellman • Gardner • Lowry • Locke • Gregoire |
