Robert E. Casey | |
|---|---|
| 69thTreasurer of Pennsylvania | |
| In office 1977–1981 | |
| Preceded by | Grace M. Sloan |
| Succeeded by | R. Budd Dwyer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1909-03-30)March 30, 1909 Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | December 1, 1982(1982-12-01) (aged 73) Odessa, Texas, US |
| Alma mater | University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown |
| Occupation | Politician |
Robert E. Casey (March 30, 1909 – December 1, 1982)[1][2] was an American politician who served asPennsylvania State Treasurer from 1977 to 1981. ADemocrat fromJohnstown, Pennsylvania, he served four terms asCambria County recorder of deeds. No relation to influential politicianRobert P. Casey Sr., his electoral victory in 1976 was aided by his name resemblance.
The youngest of eleven children of an Irish-American coal miner, Casey was born inGallitzin, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Johnstown Catholic High School and studied accounting at theUniversity of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He worked at the state treasury department for seven years in the 1930s and then at a bank and mortgage and loan company in Johnstown. In 1956, he became deputy register of wills forCambria County and served as Cambria's recorder of deeds from 1963 to 1976.[2][1]
While he had never ran for statewide elected office until 1976, Casey held numerous community and civic roles out of the public eye. He served as president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Recorders of Deeds and twice as president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Elected Officials. He had also served three years on the board of directors of the National Association of County Recorders and was appointed to a state commission to improve counties' record-keeping.[3][4]
During the 1976 election, Casey benefited from his name's similarity to popular outgoingPennsylvania Auditor GeneralRobert P. Casey Sr. (no relation). Johnny Durbin, aHarrisburg bar owner, encouraged Casey to run for treasurer after Robert P. Casey opted not to seek elected office in 1976.[5] Casey barely campaigned, paid for only one newspaper advertisement, and spent exactly $866 to defeat party favoriteCatherine Baker Knoll in the Democratic primary. He went on to win the general election, easily defeating theRepublican nominee, state representativePatricia Crawford.[6][7] His widest victory margin was inLackawanna County, the home county of Robert P. Casey. The latter complained that the new treasurer was "an unwitting, undeserving beneficiary" of Robert P.'s name recognition, adding, "Frankly, I don't like being used."[8]
Casey rewarded Durbin by appointing him to serve as deputy treasurer and a senior campaign aide. He launched a new investment program for state funds and purchased a $1 million computer to facilitate electronic record keeping.[2] Casey lost his 1980 reelection bid to Republican nomineeR. Budd Dwyer.[9][10] In 1982, he announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor but withdrew from the race. He was aKnight of Columbus and board member of the localAmerican Red Cross.[1]
Casey was married to the former Mary Studeny, with whom he had three daughters: Doris, Mary Lou, and Karen. His wife and children survived him.[1]
He died of a heart attack while vacationing inOdessa, Texas, on December 1, 1982.[1]
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Democratic nominee forTreasurer of Pennsylvania 1976, 1980 | Succeeded by |