Larry Dodge died on July 17, 2012, at the age of 69. He was one of the founders of the Libertarian Party of Montana, and was its first nominee for statewide office in Montana. In 1982 he ran for U.S. Senator, and was the first U.S. Senate candidate to appear on a general election ballot in Montana for that office (other than Democratic and Republican nominees) since 1952. His campaign garnered considerable publicity because he visited every county in Montana, by canoe. He polled 3.87%, enough to keep the Libertarian Party on the ballot for the next election. He also ran for Governor as a Libertarian in 1984, polling 3.25%.
He was the co-founder of the Fully Informed Jury Association, and he was the campaign manager for Native American activist Russell Means when Means sought the presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party in 1988. Means was defeated for that nomination by Ron Paul. Dodge had a doctorate in Sociology and was known for his kindness and ability to get along with virtually anyone. Thanks to his widow, Honey Lanham Dodge, for this news.
RIP LARRYDODGE YOU STOOD FOR FREEDOM ESPECIALLY IN THE COURTS
RIP Larry…you will be missed. 🙁
I have been an LP member since 1979 so when I saw the name Larry Dodge I knew I had read it before. He was an important LP leader in the 1980’s. Also Honey Lanham was the LP national Executive Director in the early 1980’s. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I commend Larry for his activism and accomplishments. And my condolences to Ms. Dodge.
Larry had also been a candidate for Secretary of State.
Yes, I well remember that sunny summer day we put the canoes into the Sun River in Great Falls, as you paddled across Montana in 1982 – Dodge For Senate & FIJA (Jury Nullification). Then later at the State Fair at the MTLP booth, campaigning, gathering signatures and registering voters. Larry you were an early political mentor and inspiration to many, including me. Hard to believe that was 30 years ago now. Rest In Peace Freedom Warrior!
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I would not be the current head of FIJA-Missouri if it weren’t for Larry Dodge deciding to hold the first national FIJA conference here in St. Louis. I fondly recall how he & Honey were so thrilled that I got them their first national FIJA article (in Wall Street Journal and Washington Times).
That’s because they took their cause so personally and to heart and were two of the big motivating factors in getting me into the jury-rights causes.
Once I discovering his PhD I’d frequently referred to him as “Doc Dodge” which he inturn would tell me to hush up. (Not wanting to have folks think better of him.)
His gentle and learned demeanor and his extensive research was the perfect combo for advancing various controversial causes — which are becoming a bit more mainstream today thanks in big part to Dodge’s pioneering organizing back in the 1980s.
btw: In addition to his many lifelong accomplishments I believe he was the founder of and nature photographer for Big Sky Magic — a post-card, calendar and tourism-brochure company promoting the environs of his beloved Montana. I still have many of his breathtaking photos of Montana vistas.
R.I.P. Doc!