Robert VanderLaan

Robert "Robbie" VanderLaan (c. 1930-November 1, 2015^[1]) was a former majority leader of the Michigan State Senate.^[2] A Republican, he ran to replace Gerald Ford as representative for Michigan's 5th congressional district in a 1974 special election, but was defeated by Democrat Richard Vander Veen. It was seen as a stunning upset; VanderLaan had previously never lost an election and the district had long been considered a Republican stronghold. He served in the Senate for 20 years in total; after retirement he joined Democrat Bobby Crim in forming a lobbying firm; he also had a career as a lawyer.^[3]

Robert VanderLaan
5th Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate
In office 1971–1974
Preceded by	Emil Lockwood
Succeeded by	Milton Zaagman
Member of the Michigan Senate
In office January 1, 1963 – December 31, 1982
Preceded by	Charles R. Feenstra
Succeeded by	Dick Posthumus
Constituency	17th district (1963–1964) 31st district (1965–1982)
Personal details
Born	(1930-06-04)June 4, 1930 Paris Township, Michigan
Died	November 1, 2015(2015-11-01) (aged 85)
Political party	Republican

References

1. Robert VanderLaan Obituary | MLive.com
2. The Political Graveyard: VanderLaan, Robert
3. Polpourri: Patrick Miles doesn't have confidence in Pelosi to 'heal the partisan divide' | MLive.com