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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Merkle was Catholic. He and his wife, Angela, had nine children. [4]
References[edit]
- ^ "Robert Merkle, 58; Prosecuted Drug Kingpin". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 9, 2003.
- ^ https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao/legacy/2011/11/23/bicn_celebration.pdf
- ^ https://politicalgraveyard.com/geo/FL/ofc/usatty.html
- ^ a b c d Roger Roy (April 20, 1986). "MERKLE -- REVILED BY ESTABLISHMENT, REVERED BY PUBLIC". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=239948
- ^ Bill Moushey (November 22, 1998). "Out of control". Win at all costs. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on March 2, 1999.