Quick Facts
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Ralph A. Dunham (December 21, 1906–September 24, 1959) was an American attorney and 18th Attorney General of South Dakota between 1951 and 1955.
Education and career
Dunham graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law.
1950 Attorney General election
On July 10, 1950, the Democratic convention was held in Huron. George A. Bangs was nominated. Further candidates considered were Albert F. Ulmer of Menno, Ralph Hutchinson of Huron, William Holland of Webster, D.C. "Cliff" Walsh of Miller, the 1948 Democrat nominee decided that he would not run again.
On July 17, 1950, the Republican convention was held in Pierre.Five candidates competed: Gene Pruitt of Sioux Falls; Ralph Dunham of Clark; Rex Sheild of Salem; Dave MacFarlane of Montrose and Raymond Heib of Ipswich who withdrew before the voting began. Dunham and Sheild advanced and Dunham prevailed with the nomination.
Dunham was elected as Attorney General of South Dakota with 144,694 votes to Bangs 97,792 votes.
1952 Attorney General election
On July 22, 1952, Dunham was re-nominated without opposition.
Dunham was re-elected as Attorney General with 187,888 votes with Democrat C.W. "Bill" Hyde receiving 94,396 votes.