Ford, Wendell H., 1924-

Kentucky governor, U.S. senator.

Ford, a native of Daviess county, Kentucky, attended the University of Kentucky and the Maryland School of Insurance. After returning from service in the Army during World War II, he joined his family's insurance firm in Owensboro, Ky. He served as chief administrative assistant to Governor Bert T. Combs, and was elected as Democratic state senator in 1965. In 1967, he was elected lieutenant governor to serve with Republican governor Louie B. Nunn. In 1971, he was elected governor, and three years later he successfully challenged the Republican incumbent to win election to the United States Senate. He was re-elected in 1980.

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