Robert W. Larrow

Robert W. Larrow, born in 1916 in Vergennes, Vermont, graduated from Harvard Law School in 1939. He began his career in public service as Burlington city attorney, a role he held from 1944 to 1963. Larrow's political career included a stint in the Vermont House of Representatives and two significant gubernatorial campaigns, the latter of which marked a pivotal moment for the Vermont Democratic Party. He later served as Chairman of the State Liquor Control Board and as a Superior Court judge before becoming an associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court in 1974. Larrow retired from the Supreme Court in 1981 and passed away in 1991.

Robert W. Larrow's political career is marked by a calculated effort to strategically revitalize the Democratic Party in Vermont, challenging long-standing Republican dominance. His approach involved not just policy advocacy but also a focus on the vigor and credibility of Democratic campaigns. Larrow's legislative and judicial roles often showcased a blend of traditional Democratic values with a pragmatic focus on regional industrial interests, revealing an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on certain issues. This ideological agility and localized focus suggest a nuanced understanding of political dynamics, balancing party loyalty with practical considerations. His efforts ultimately culminated in significant Democratic victories, including the election of the first Democratic governor in over a century.