Zorinsky, Edward, 1928-1987

Edward Zorinsky (November 11, 1928 – March 6, 1987) was an American businessman and politician. He notably served as the Republican mayor of Omaha, Nebraska from 1973 to 1976 and as a Democrat representing Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 1976 until his death. Zorinsky was the first Jewish person elected to statewide office in Nebraska.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he attended the public schools there before pursuing a college education at the University of Minnesota, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska, earning a B.S. at the latter. For twenty-three years, Zorinsky worked in the wholesale tobacco and candy business. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1949 to 1962. He enrolled at Harvard University in 1966 to pursue his graduate work, and later served as a member of the Nebraska Judicial Qualifications Commission from 1968 to 1971 and on the Board of Directors for the Omaha Public Power District from 1969 to 1973. From 1973 to 1976, he served as Mayor of Omaha. Zorinsky earned a great deal of popularity due to his response to a blizzard and a series of tornadoes that hit Omaha in 1975.

...