Lud Kramer

A. Ludlow (Lud) Kramer (June 10, 1932, in New York City – April 9, 2004) was best known as a United States politician, serving as a Seattle City councillor (1961) and as Secretary of State of Washington (1965–1975).

Mr. Kramer was born in New York City on June 10, 1932.

Mr. Kramer graduated from Brooks Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, USA.

He later served in the U.S. Air Force as a Sergeant.

In 1955, Mr. Kramer moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he worked in the banking industry.

Political career

In 1961, Mr. Kramer moved to Seattle with his family and was elected to the Seattle City Council at the age of 29.

In 1964, he became the youngest Secretary of State in Washington State history on the Republican ticket. He served for three terms.

In 1969, Mr. Kramer chaired the Washington State Commission on the Cause and Prevention of Civil Disorder. The "Kramer Commission" examined issues of racial discrimination in housing and the justice system.

His major initiatives dealt with migrant housing, election law reform, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, and various social justice programs for minorities.

In 1975, Mr. Kramer created the Ludlow Foundation. The purpose of the Ludlow Foundation was to provide small grants to lower-income people and non-profit organizations.

Mr Kramer married his wife Patricia. They were married for 17 years and divorced for 17 years then got remarried. They had two daughters and two sons.

Mr Kramer died in Liberty Lake, Washington on April 9, 2004 from lung cancer.