Hutar, Patricia, 1926-2010

Patricia Miller Hutar (January 5, 1926-April 14, 2010) was an American Republican politician and activist.

A native of Minnesota, Hutar got her start in politics as a leader in the young Republicans who campaigned for Dwight Eisenhower. She went on to hold top posts in presidential campaigns, serving as co-chairwoman of the Illinois Goldwater for President campaign in 1964 for Barry Goldwater and a director of volunteers for the Committee for the Re-election of the President on behalf of Richard Nixon in 1972. In 1964 and 1965, Hutar was assistant chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, a major post for a woman in those days.

Mrs. Hutar held leadership posts in a number of groups that sought to elevate women's status in the U.S. and around the world. Hutar was appointed by President Gerald Ford as a leader of the U.S. delegation to the 1975 International Women's Conference in Mexico City. At the conference, she addressed those gathered on behalf of first lady Betty Ford. Later, Hutar served as the first president of the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Hutar was a founding board member of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, established in the early 1980s to support democratic elections around the world, and served as the board's chairman in 2001. Because of her commitment to the cause, the foundation honors public servants who, through their work or activities, express a commitment to improved democratic practices with the Patricia Hutar Award.

Hutar died at the age of 84 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.