Clyde Lorraine Short (January 30, 1883 – February 27, 1936) was a Democratic politician from the U.S. state of Kansas, best known as a former two-time candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Kansas Democratic Party from 1934 to 1936.
Clyde Lorraine Short | |
---|---|
Chairman of the Kansas State Democratic Party | |
In office 1934–1936 | |
Governor | Alf Landon |
Preceded by | Guy T. Helvering |
Personal details | |
Born | Rochester, Indiana | January 30, 1883
Died | February 27, 1936 Concordia, Kansas | (aged 53)
Cause of death | Pneumonia |
Political party | Kansas Democratic Party |
Occupation | Attorney |
Short was born in Rochester, Indiana[1] in 1883. He grew up in Concordia, Kansas, where, as a youth, he became known for his public speaking skill.[2] Upon graduation, he read law in the offices of Pulsiver and Alexander, passed the bar in 1916,[3] and was eventually elected Concordia City Attorney.[4] He was a Democratic candidate for the U. S. House of Representatives for Kansas, in 1930, against incumbent James G. Strong,[5] who narrowly defeated Short in a close race.[6] He ran again in 1932, and was defeated in the Democratic primary by Kathryn O'Loughlin McCarthy, who would go on to become the first female U. S. Representative from Kansas.[7] Despite these setbacks, he remained active in the Democratic party, and was elected Party Chairman in 1934,[8][9] directing the effort to unseat incumbent Governor Alf Landon.[10] Although Landon won re-election, Short presided over two first-time Democratic victories in Kansas, the offices of State Auditor and State Superintendent of Public Instruction.[7]
Short died in 1936, of pneumonia.[7] His brother was American baseball player Harry Short.[3]