John Murphy

John Robert Murphy (September 5, 1918 – April 21, 2010) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 17th district from 1973 to 1981.

Early life Murphy was born in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and attended the University of Iowa, graduating with his bachelor's degree. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II.

Nebraska Legislature In 1972, Murphy ran for the legislature from the 17th district, which was based in Dakota, Dixon, and Wayne counties, challenging appointed Senator LeRoy Pfister. In the nonpartisan primary, Murphy placed first over Pfister, winning 30 percent of the vote to Pfister's 29 percent, while Elaine Schmadeke placed third with 21 percent and Chris Miller won 20 percent. Murphy defeated Pfister in the general election, winning 53–47 percent. He was challenged for re-election by Gil Fournier, a Wayne State College student, who failed to file a campaign finance report or respond to media inquiries. In the primary, Murphy placed first over Fournier in a landslide, receiving 79 percent of the vote. Fournier subsequently withdrew from the race. Over the summer, however, Aaron Butler, a community college instructor and education management consultant, announced that he would gather signatures to challenge Murphy on the November ballot. However, Murphy defeated Butler in a landslide, winning his second term, 73–27 percent. Lieutenant Governor Gerald Whelan, presiding over the Senate, gaveled Murphy out of order,

Murphy declined to seek re-election in 1980.

Death Murphy died on April 21, 2010.