Dukakis, Michael Stanley

Dukakis, Michael Stanley (dOOkäk'is) [key], 1933–, American political leader, b. Brookline, Mass. He was a Democratic member of the Massachusetts house of representatives (1963–70) and was twice elected governor of Massachusetts (1975–79; 1983–91). As a member of the state legislature he sponsored the nation's first no-fault auto insurance bill. As governor his policies included tax amnesty and his Employment and Training Program to help welfare recipients secure paying jobs. He defeated a crowded field for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and named Senator Lloyd Bentsen as his running mate. George H. W. Bush, the Republican candidate, won easily in the general election.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print