Robert D. Holmes

Robert Denison Holmes (May 11, 1909 – June 6, 1976) was an American politician and journalist from the U.S. state of Oregon. A native of the state of New York, he worked in newspapers and radio before entering politics. Though a Republican early in his career, he served as a Democrat in the Oregon State Senate and as the 28th governor of Oregon. He was governor from 1957 to 1959.

Early life Holmes was born on May 11, 1909, in Canisteo, New York, to a family with five other siblings. His parents were George and Amy Holmes (née Crary), and his father was a stockbroker. Holmes then moved to Astoria along the Oregon Coast in 1937 where he was involved in advertising and radio broadcasting, serving as general manager of KAST from 1943 to 1957. Reacting to an unexpected budget surplus, he initially proposed a 10% tax cut, as well as a $5 million per year contribution to the Common School Fund, which would also have served to reduce taxes. The 19 day session concluded in mid-November; the compromise reached between House Democrats and Senate Republicans reflected a 20% cut in taxes. The Associated Press identified the tax session as the number one news story in the state in 1957, ahead of the prosecution of the Teamsters.

While in office, Holmes sought to make state government more efficient and responsive. Holmes also worked to reform education, welfare programs, and also cut taxes by 16%. In 1958, he lost his bid for re-election in a landslide to Oregon Secretary of State Mark Hatfield, a rising star in the Oregon Republican Party.

Later life and family He and the former Marie Hoy were married on May 1, 1934, and they had two sons, Robert Jr. and George. Following his governorship, Holmes hosted a television public affairs program on Portland's KOIN, and served on the Oregon Board of Higher Education from 1969 to 1974. From 1961 to 1962, Holmes also was on a commission that hoped to revise the Oregon Constitution. A one-time Christian Scientist, Holmes attended the Episcopal Church. Robert D. Holmes died on June 6, 1976, in Astoria of cancer.