Doug Friedline died on November 10, of a heart attack, at the age of 49. He had been been a leading political consultant for anyone who ran for office outside the major parties. He had worked for Ross Perot and had assumed leadership in Jesse Ventura’s campaign. He had also worked for at least one Libertarian gubernatorial candidate, in New Jersey, and had been working for Max Linn (Reform Party candidate for Governor of Florida) this year. Friedline’s home was in Chappaqua, New York, but he died in Treasure Island, Florida. Thanks to Darcy Richardson for this news.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
Friedline, Manager for Jesse Ventura and Max Linn Gubernatorial Campaigns, Dies Suddenly in Florida
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov 10, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Douglas Friedline, a tireless fighter for political underdogs and third party campaigns, died suddenly today in the city of Treasure Island, Florida. He was 49 years old. He passed away at an apartment which had been rented for him during his tenure as campaign manager for Max Linn, the third party candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial contest.
“Everyone on our team is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Doug Friedline,” said Linn. “He was one of the most principled and idealistic men I’ve known. Politics was truly his life. He worked tirelessly for our campaign — the first to arrive at our office and the last to leave,” Linn said.
Linn’s running mate, Tom Macklin said, “Doug literally gave his life for this campaign. We have to pick up the slack or his sacrifice will have been for nothing.”
Friedline’s career made political history and blazed the trial for independent candidates across America. The highlight of his career was his success as the campaign manager for Jesse Ventura in 1998, when Ventura became the governor of Minnesota.
Friedline began his career in 1992, working for the Ross Perot campaign in Minnesota. He went on to serve many other independent candidates running 25 campaigns for offices large and small, including presidential contenders, gubernatorial and senate candidates, and even mayoralty contenders. The legendary real estate mogul Donald Trump was among his better-known clients. Friedline set up Trump’s presidential exploratory committee. He also organized political ventures involving Ralph Nader, John McCain and Joe Piscopo. One of his political battles was portrayed in the documentary film, “Anytown, USA.”
In a tribute to Friedline, the Linn campaign’s communications director, Liz McCallum said, “Doug was a man who cared deeply about America and the democratic process. He fought hard for political underdogs and always believed that anything was possible. He will always be remembered as a champion for independent and third-party candidates.”
Linn added, “Doug felt that the only way to fix our broken political system was through third parties. He was passionate about independent candidates. I feel honored to have known him.”
Despite a number of medical problems which plagued him in recent years, Friedline worked day and night on the Linn campaign. He had complained of faintness several days before his passing, but declined to take time off from the campaign to seek medical treatment. A passionate campaigner, Friedline yesterday thanked his campaign staff with an emotional speech. He said he had planned to retire from politics but decided he would take on the Max Linn campaign as his final battle. He will be missed.
For Further Information Contact:
Liz McCallum
727-347-8784 Phone
727-231-8033 Fax
727-599-9537 cell
SOURCE Max Linn for Governor Campaign
Liz McCallum of Max Linn for Governor Campaign, +1-727-347-8784, or fax,
+1-727-231-8033, or cell, +1-727-599-9537
http://www.prnewswire.com
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Friends and Family
14 Devoe Place
Chappaqua NY 10514
I just wanted the campaign to know that I worked with Doug Friedline for several years with the Minnesota Independence Party. In 1995 when I was asked by the Independence Party to run in a special election for MN House of Representatives, Doug and his team were relentless and we learned many things from each other in pursuing a four-week campaign. Doug definitely loved politics and loved a good underdog. With his help, I was the first Independence Party Candidate to acquire state funding of a political campaign with over 10% of the vote. While I might not be mentioned in his bio, I was there near the beginning of his tenure. Doug was a good man and I am truly blessed to have been his colleague and friend.
I had the great good fortune—and priviledge—to work closely with Doug during the 2000 presidential campaign of John Hagelin of the Natural Law Party. Doug was, as others have said, a highly principaled, honorable man of great conviction, good humor, and deep caring. I have so many wonderful memories of working with him. I am sorry to hear of his passing–and I send my warmest wishes of condolences to his family and close friends.
I want to thank everyone for the kind words that have been said about Doug.
He was my friend of 14 years. We met on Dean Barkely’s 1st campaign for congress in 1992.
Since 1992, Dean, Doug, and I have been friends. We tried to give each other work even though Doug and I moved away from Minnesota.
We would keep in touch with each other via e mail and over the phone.
Such was the case last Wednesday. I spoke to him about the results of the election. I tried to cheer him up, and remind him that 3rd party candidates often don’t do well.
So it was a shock for me to find that my friend died over the weekend.
He will be missed by all who he has touched over the years.
A true hero in my eyes.
Thanks,
Shane Canfield, Albuquerque, NM
The American Political system has lost a true Patriot. I worked with Doug in Florida, writing lyrics for the Max Linn campaign. His dedication and hard work was inspiring. I will always be thankful for the confidence of such a great man.