Joseph P. Mazurek

Joseph P. Mazurek
21st Attorney General of Montana
In office
January 4, 1993 – January 2, 2001
Member of the Montana State Senate
In office
1981–1993
Personal details
Born(1948-07-27)July 27, 1948
San Diego, California, US
DiedAugust 28, 2012(2012-08-28) (aged 64)
Helena, Montana, US
Political partyDemocratic
SpousePatty Mazurek
Children3
Parents
  • Thomas Mazurek (father)
  • Priscilla Mazurek (mother)
EducationUniversity of Montana
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1970-1972
RankFirst lieutenant

Joseph P. Mazurek (July 27, 1948 – August 28, 2012) was the 21st Attorney General of Montana and a Montana State Senator from 1981 to 1993.

Early life

Mazurek was born on July 27, 1948, in San Diego, California. Mazurek's parents were Priscilla and Thomas Mazurek.[1] When he was just nine months old, his parents moved to Helena, Montana. He graduated from Helena High School in 1966, after serving as its student body president.[1]

Education

In 1970, Mazurek earned a degree from University of Montana. In 1975, Mazurek earned a law degree from University of Montana School of Law.[1]

Career

Military service

Mazurek served in the United States Army for two years between 1970 and 1972. He had the rank of First Lieutenant.[1]

State Senator (1981-1993)

In 1980, Mazurek was elected to the Montana State Senate from the 16th district.[2] In 1984, after redistricting, he was elected to the 23rd district.[2] In 1988 he was re-elected.[2] In 1991 he was appointed to be the president of the Montana State Senate.[3]

Montana Attorney General (1993-2001)

On November 3, 1992, Mazurek was elected Montana Attorney General. He won the race by 13.74 percent against Jack Sands.[2] He was reelected by 21.09 percent four years later, against Larry L. Baer.[2]

2000 Montana Governor Democratic Primary

Mazurek lost in the primary to Mark O'Keefe.[4][5]

Election history

Democratic Party primary results[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mark O'Keefe 46,294 48.04
Democratic Joseph Mazurek 34,385 35.69
Democratic Mike Cooney 15,677 16.27
Total votes 96,356 100.00

Personal life

On June 13, 1970, he married his wife Patty.[1] He had three children, Tom, Jeff, and Dan.[1]

Mazurek died on August 28, 2012, at the age of 64.[3][1]

Legacy

The Montana Supreme Court building was renamed in his honor as The Joseph P. Mazurek Justice Building.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "In Memory Of Mazurek, Joseph P". Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Mazurek, Joe". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Dennison, Mike (August 28, 2012). "Former Montana Attorney General Joe Mazurek dies at 64". Billings Gazette. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "2000 Statewide Primary Canvass - June 6, 2000" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  5. ^ Janofsky, Michael (June 8, 2000). "THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: AROUND THE NATION; Montana Voters Pick Candidates for Governor and Senate". New York Times. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  6. ^ CORRIGAN, TERENCE. "Mazurek memorial garden, justice building dedicated to former attorney general". Retrieved September 10, 2020.