Karl Herrman was a Washington State politician who served as our state's insurance commissioner from 1969-1977, during that time, whether it was part of the job or an additional job, he was state fire marshal.
At the time, No Smoking signs were very rare. Except for schools, halls of worship, or combustible areas, people could and did smoke anywhere and everywhere, even in the houses of non smokers. It was a different world.
Therefore, No Smoking signs were very attention grabbing. Insurance Commissioner Herrman's name was on those signs. So what, you ask? Well Herrman held elective office and upon running for a second term in 1972, became the first candidate for elective office in this state to get one million votes.
When Herrman ran for a third term in 1976, his opponents saw an opportunity in presenting the observation that his name on the signs was essentially a campaign paid by the state. Even many of his fellow Democrats thought it was quite fishy.
Karl Herrman, four years removed from getting the highest total of votes for a Washington state candidate, was defeated.
1 comment:
He had his name on the signs just to remind himself not to smoke
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