David Durenberger

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David Ferdinand Durenberger
David Durenberger

In office
November 1978–January 1995
Preceded by Muriel Humphrey
Succeeded by Rod Grams

Born August 19, 1934
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Political party Republican
Spouse Judy Durenberger, died
Gilda Beth Baran

David Ferdinand Durenberger (born August 19, 1934) is an American politician. He was a Republican Senator from Minnesota. Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Durenberger attended St. John's University and the University of Minnesota Law School. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1963.

On November 7, 1978, Durenberger was elected to complete the unexpired term of Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, whose position had temporarily been filled by Humphrey's wife Muriel. He was reelected in 1982 and again in 1988, serving from November 8, 1978 to January 3, 1995. He served as the chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence during the Ninety-ninth Congress. Durenberger was unanimously denounced by the Senate on July 25, 1990 for unethical conduct relating to outside income. He was also disbarred for his actions. He did not run for reelection in 1994 and was succeeded by Rod Grams.

Durenberger supported John Kerry for President in 2004. Durenberger gave an interview in 2005 on the Inside Minnesota Politics Podcast, stating that he is no longer a supporter of the Republican Party but is not a supporter of the Democratic Party either. He said in an interview with Peter Idusogie that Democrats are better equipped to handle health care and that President Bush was wrong about Iraq.

[edit] Electoral history

  • 1982 Race for U.S. Senate
    • David Durenberger (R) (inc.), 53%
    • Mark Dayton (DFL), 47%
  • 1978 Race for U.S. Senate (Special Election)
    • David Durenberger (R), 62%
    • Bob Short (DFL), 35%
Preceded by:
Muriel Humphrey
United States Senator (Class 1) from Minnesota
1978 – 1995
Served alongside: Rudy Boschwitz, Paul Wellstone
Succeeded by:
Rod Grams