Richard Headlee, Michigan activist, dies

CEDAR HILLS, Utah, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Richard Headlee, the 1982 Republican candidate for Michigan governor and a relentless anti-tax crusader, died Tuesday in Utah at age 74.

Headlee, former head of Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance Co., died at home in Cedar Hills, Utah, after a lengthy illness, the Detroit Free Press reported.

A devout Mormon and one-time president of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, he helped move the GOP from a socially genteel and culturally moderate organization to a more conservative, small-government advocacy group.

In 1978 his name was affixed to a property tax limitation amendment approved by Michigan voters. He also supported term limits.

In the 20 years after Headlee's failed bid for governor, state Republicans gained control of nearly every branch of Michigan's government.

In 1987 he took ill while on vacation in Utah and was given a heart transplant.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, nine children and "nearly 30" grandchildren, the Free Press said.