Illinois. Governor (1973-1977 : Walker)

Daniel Walker (1922- ), Democratic Governor of Illinois (1973-1977), was born in Washington, D. C. on Aug. 6, 1922. Following graduation from San Diego High School, Walker joined the Naval Reserve; won admission to the U. S. Naval Academy via competitive exam; graduated from Annapolis (1945); did fleet duty (1945-1947) and attended Northwestern University Law School (1947-1950). While in law school, Walker married Roberta Dowse (1947, divorced 1977) and later married Roberta Nelson (1978, divorced 1988). Walker served on the "Little Hoover" Commission; as a Supreme Court law clerk; and Deputy to the Chief Commissioner of U. S. Court of Military Appeals during the Korean War. Returning to civilian life, he became a litigation specialist; Chicago law firm partner; Macron (Montgomery Ward holding company) Vice President and General Counsel (1960-1971); and pursued political interests (i.e. Committee on Illinois Government; Democratic Federation of Illinois).

Resigning his executive position, Walker became an anti-organization candidate for Governor; his populist message and campaign walks winning the 1972 gubernatorial race. Although he considered running for President, Walker was defeated in the 1976 Democratic primary, and attempted to form a multi-city law firm before acquiring holdings in Illinois, Arkansas and Florida banks. After pleading guilty to bank fraud, misapplication of bank funds and perjury (1987), Walker served 1 1/2 years of a 7 yrs. sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, MN. Completing community service by helping establish an outreach program for the homeless, Walker returned to San Diego, where he worked at the St. Vincent de Paul complex for the homeless and as a legal assistant.

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