Robert E. Smylie

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Robert E. Smylie
In office
January 3, 1955 – January 2, 1967
Lieutenant J. Berkeley Larsen (1955)
W. E. Drevlow (1959)
Preceded by Len Jordan
Succeeded by Don Samuelson
Born October 31, 1914(1914-10-31)
Marcus, Iowa
Died July 17, 2004 (aged 89)
Boise, Idaho
Political party Republican
Spouse Lucille Irwin
Residence Boise
Profession Attorney
Religion Methodist

Robert Eben Smylie (born October 31, 1914 in Marcus, Iowa - died July 17, 2004 in Boise, Idaho) was a politician and attorney from Idaho. He served as governor of Idaho from 1955 to 1967. He was a member of the Idaho Republican Party.

Smylie began practicing law in Washington, D.C. but left his practice in 1942 to join the United States Coast Guard. He returned to practice in 1946.

In November 1947 Smylie was appointed Idaho attorney general by Governor C. A. Robins to fill a vacancy. He was elected to a full term in 1950.

Smylie was elected governor in 1954 and re-elected in 1958 and 1962. He is the only person in Idaho history to win three consecutive four-year terms as governor. Smylie was the first Governor of Idaho born in the 20th Century.

While governor, Smylie served as chair of the Western Governors Association (1959-1961). He also served as chair of the Republican Governors Association.

Smylie ran for reelection in 1966, but was defeated in the Republican primary by Don Samuelson. Afterwards he returned to the practice of law. He served as Trustee, Chair of Trustees, and as acting President of the College of Idaho.

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Preceded by
Robert Ailshie		 Attorney General of Idaho
November 24, 1947–January 3, 1955		 Succeeded by
Graydon W. Smith
Preceded by
Len Jordan		 Republican Party nominee, Governor of Idaho
1954 (won), 1958 (won), 1962 (won)		 Succeeded by
Don Samuelson
Preceded by
Len Jordan		 Governor of Idaho
January 3, 1955–January 2, 1967		 Succeeded by
Don Samuelson
v • d • e
Governors of Idaho
Shoup • Willey • McConnell • Steunenberg • Hunt • Morrison • Gooding • Brady • Hawley • Haines • Alexander • Davis • Moore • Baldridge • Ross • B. Clark • Bottolfsen • C. Clark • Bottolfsen • Gossett • Williams • Robins • Jordan • Smylie • Samuelson • Andrus • Evans • Andrus • Batt • Kempthorne • Risch • Otter
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