Luther H. Hodges, Jr.

Luther Hartwell Hodges Jr. (born November 19, 1936)

Hodges entered politics in 1978, running for the nomination of the Democrats in the United States Senate election in North Carolina, 1978. He won the first round of the primary, with 40% of the vote, but, having failed to receive the 50% required to win on the first ballot, lost to populist North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance John Ingram with only 46% in the run-off.

Between 1980 and 1981, Hodges was the first United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce, appointed by Jimmy Carter. Previously Under Secretary of Commerce, he had been tapped to replace Juanita M. Kreps as United States Secretary of Commerce, but, after a spell as Acting Secretary, the job went to Philip Klutznick, and the new Deputy Secretary position was created for him.

From 1980 to 1990, he was chairman of Washington Bancorp, the parent company of The Bank of Washington.

Later, Hodges owned the Hotel Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Political contributions Hodges began his political career as a Democrat, but later changed to Republican. In 2004, Hodges contributed more than $30,000 to Republican candidates including George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Senator Richard Burr. In 2012, Hodges contributed over $51,000 to Republican candidates and organizations including Mitt Romney, Renee Ellmers, (R-NC) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC).