Herbert Waite

Herbert Roswell Waite (June 22, 1928 – July 23, 2007) was an American public relations executive, political figure, and lobbyist who served as chairman of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee from February to September 1971.

Early life Waite was born and raised in Belmont, Massachusetts, and graduated from Belmont High School. During World War II, he served with the United States Marine Corps in China. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1976.

Political career From 1957 to 1960, Waite served on the Wakefield, Massachusetts Board of Selectmen. In 1960 he moved to Swampscott, where he served as a town meeting member and a member of the Republican town committee. In August 1970, he moved to Wellesley, Massachusetts. Sargent liked Waite for the job because he was a moderate Republican who was not affiliated with either the liberal or conservative wings of the party. After two weeks of discussion between the staff of Sargent and U. S. Senator Edward Brooke, the two agreed to recommend that Waite be appointed to the position of chairman and that he would serve full-time and receive a salary of about $25,000 a year. Waite was elected to the position on February 8, 1971. On September 28, 1971, Waite submitted his resignation to the state committee, citing personal reasons.

Lobbying After his resignation, Waite returned to New England Electric as vice president for public relations and advertising. After retiring he represented J. P. Morgan, Citibank, and the Bankers Roundtable before the United States Congress.