Forrest H. Anderson

Forrest Howard Anderson ( born January 30, 1913 in Helena, Montana; † July 20, 1989 ) was an American lawyer and politician of the Democratic Party. From 1969 to 1973 he was governor of the state of Montana.

Early years and political rise

Forrest Anderson attended Helena High School and then the University of Montana, where he studied law. In 1938 he finished his studies at the Law School of the Catholic University in Washington. After qualifying as a lawyer, he began to practice in Helena.

Between 1943 and 1944, Anderson sat as an MP in the House of Representatives from Montana; 1945 to 1947 he was a prosecutor in Lewis and Clark County. Until 1949 he was a consultant of a government commission before he was 1953-1956 Judge of the Montana Supreme Court. In 1957 he took over the office of the Attorney General of Montana, which he exercised for twelve years until 1969. He was elected Governor of Montana in 1968, where he prevailed with 54.1 percent of the vote against Republican incumbent Tim M. Babcock.

Governor of Montana

Anderson's four-year term began on January 6, 1969. During this time, he reformed the government apparatus. More than 100 different agencies were merged into 19 ministries. Thus, the efficiency of the government has been significantly improved. In 1972 a new constitution for Montana was developed and put into force by the Governor. Due to his poor health, Anderson renounced in 1972 on a bid again. He resigned from his post on 1 January 1973.

In the following years, Anderson withdrew into private life. His health was getting worse. At the age of 76 years Anderson committed suicide with a firearm. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, two daughters and a son.

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