Barry Goldwater 1909-1998

It was ten years ago today the father of the conservative movement passed away. Barry Goldwater died May 29, 1998 at 89 years old. Goldwater was often referred to as "Mr. Conservative" or the father of the modern conservative movement.

Goldwater served 5 terms as a United States Senator from Arizona. Goldwater served from 1953-1965, but left office to seek the presidential nomination to challenge Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Goldwater lost a bitter primary against NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller then lost big in the general election to President Johnson.

After his defeat in the presidential election Goldwater sought the other US Senate seat from Arizona which he won in 1968. Goldwater is the only Arizona Senator to hold both of the US Senate seats.

While Goldwater did not remain the leader of the conservative movement after his defeat in 1964, his campaign was essential in launching Ronald Reagan's political career. Goldwater easily won reelection for his seat until 1980 where he barely won reelection with 432k votes against Democrat Bill Schultz who received 422k votes. Goldwater retired in 1987 and turned his seat over to current US Senator John McCain.

In the late 1990s Goldwater suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He died ten years ago today in Paradise Valley from complications from his stroke.

There are very few people with mixed feelings about Barry Goldwater. Most either loved him or loathed him. But no matter your feelings you have to acknowledge Goldwater to date is the most successful and influential politician from Arizona to date.

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