Robert W. Merkle, Jr. (1944-2003[1]) was an American attorney who served as U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Florida from 1982 to 1988.[2][3] He also ran for governor of Florida and in the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat. He prosecuted drug lords, politicians, and judges.[4]

Early life

Merkle went to St. Leo Preparatory School outside Tampa where he was an accomplished athlete. He received a football scholarship to Notre Dame where he played fullback during his junior year before being sidelined by injuries his senior year.[4]

Career

He worked as a prosecutor for the Justice Department and as an assistant state attorney in the Pasco-Pinellas county circuit before being appointed U.S. attorney in April 1982. He was an outspoken opponent of abortion.[4]

He lost to Connie Mack III in the Republican Primary for the 1988 United States Senate election in Florida.[5]

He was U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.[6]

Personal life

Merkle was Catholic. He and his wife, Angela, had nine children. [4]

References

  1. ↑ "Robert Merkle, 58; Prosecuted Drug Kingpin". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 9, 2003.
  2. ↑ https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao/legacy/2011/11/23/bicn_celebration.pdf
  3. ↑ https://politicalgraveyard.com/geo/FL/ofc/usatty.html
  4. 1 2 3 4 Roger Roy (April 20, 1986). "MERKLE -- REVILED BY ESTABLISHMENT, REVERED BY PUBLIC". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  5. ↑ https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=239948
  6. ↑ Bill Moushey (November 22, 1998). "Out of control". Win at all costs. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on March 2, 1999.
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