BILL BROWN

In discussing old political races last night, a friend asked, "Remember Bill Brown?" I screaked with delight, "Without a doubt the most gorgeous politician I ever met!"

William J. Brown was elected Attorney General of Ohio in 1970 and served until 1983. During his tenure he created the first Consumer Protection Agency and he sued General Motors because that company had installed Chevrolet engines in higher-priced Oldsmobiles. That suit resulted in a large settlement for consumers.

When Brown ran in the Primary for Governor in 1982, I was a Brown supporter but he was defeated by Richard Celeste. He retired from politics and became associated with the law firm of Kegler & Brown in Columbus. He died in 1999 at the age of 59. The William J. Brown scholarship is endowed at Ohio Northern University, Brown's alma mater.

Bill Brown was the world's biggest M.A.S.H. fan. When he learned that Jamie Farr was scheduled to be in Columbus to perform, Brown invited Farr to visit his office. When Farr went in, Bill Brown got up from his desk wearing a black taffeta dress, in honor of Corporal Klinger! This was especially amusing because Brown was a conservative, though quite a dapper dresser!

See an article from The Deseret detailing Farr's version of the encounter (CLICK HERE).