US Congressman. A member of the Republican Party, he served the State of South Dakota's 2nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1981 until 1983. Raised on his family's South Dakota ranch, he became the proprietor of a garment store, prior to entering the political arena. He was elected to and served in the South Dakota State Senate from 1972 until 1978 and experienced an unsuccessful bid to become the Governor of South Dakota in 1978. He served as the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of South Dakota, under Governor Bill Janklow from 1979 to 1980, and went on to win his seat in the United States Congress, succeeding Congressman James Abdnor, during the General Election which saw Ronald Reagan win the presidency in 1980. When Roberts' district fell victim to gerrymandering, he was forced to run against the young and popular Congressman (and future senator) Tom Daschle for South Dakota's At-Large Congressional seat in 1982. He was defeated by Daschle in the General Election. He went on to serve as Director of the South Dakota Energy Office from 1987 until 1989. In addition to his career in politics, Roberts appeared in some minor films roles and television commercials. He nearly held the distinction as being named "Marlboro Man" for the cigarette manufacturer, but another actor was given the title. He died of complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
US Congressman. A member of the Republican Party, he served the State of South Dakota's 2nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1981 until 1983. Raised on his family's South Dakota ranch, he became the proprietor of a garment store, prior to entering the political arena. He was elected to and served in the South Dakota State Senate from 1972 until 1978 and experienced an unsuccessful bid to become the Governor of South Dakota in 1978. He served as the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of South Dakota, under Governor Bill Janklow from 1979 to 1980, and went on to win his seat in the United States Congress, succeeding Congressman James Abdnor, during the General Election which saw Ronald Reagan win the presidency in 1980. When Roberts' district fell victim to gerrymandering, he was forced to run against the young and popular Congressman (and future senator) Tom Daschle for South Dakota's At-Large Congressional seat in 1982. He was defeated by Daschle in the General Election. He went on to serve as Director of the South Dakota Energy Office from 1987 until 1989. In addition to his career in politics, Roberts appeared in some minor films roles and television commercials. He nearly held the distinction as being named "Marlboro Man" for the cigarette manufacturer, but another actor was given the title. He died of complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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