Northern Kentucky Republican Leader Lawson Walker Passes

Lawson Walker began practicing law in a small family firm in Erlanger Kentucky which later bore his name.  Riggs, Riggs and Walker was a throw back to a simpler time when small towns had doctors and lawyers that everybody knew, and respected.  Yesterday Lawson lost his long battle with illness and passed.

From his small office in Erlanger Lawson became actively involved in republican politics.  At the time most of Northern Kentucky was held in the tight grip of a even tighter knit group of prominent democrats who, along with those in Frankfort, saw no chance for republicans to ever wrestle away their political dominance.  But Lawson didn't see things that way.

He was full of energy, always smiling and would talk about politics almost every time anybody saw him.  He went against the mainstream and supported a Hollywood actor and staunch conservative against the party favorite in the battle between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.  Walker and the conservatives came out on top.

Lawson was an organizer.  He was a fund raiser.  He was everywhere trying to help build a party organization and much of the credit for the changes in the political landscape in Kenton County belong to him.

Lawson became a state representative and in 1991 ran a statewide race for Lieutenant Governor.

His law practice eventually placed him in the position of the predominant Northern Kentucky member of the prestigious law firm of Frost, Brown and Todd.  His representation of high profile clients in tough litigation earned him great respect among fellow lawyers throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Midwest.

Lawson had been battling illness for several years and though his death will no doubt inspire grief among many, his release from the shackles of his illness will be viewed by those who knew him best as his final reward.

Details of final arrangements will be added when this post is updated.

Comments

[John Salyers]

Thanks Marc for this article. Lawson Walker is so much a part of the Northern Kentucky community. I owe so much to him. He convinced me to change political parties, before the primary, because he knew how much I liked Ronald Reagan, I am a Republican because of Lawson Walker! When I was deciding to leave the Erlanger Police Department and join the campaign of Jim Bunning for the US Congress in 1986, I sought Lawson's council. So many were saying, "don't do it" Lawson said, "go for it, he will win, it is a great opportunity". Twenty eight years later, looking back, the best decision I ever made financially and for my family! When Connie and I were looking for a church to raise our children. Lawson invited us to Lakeside Christian, 28 years later my family is active there and some of my grandchildren are being taught there. Most importantly he was a good friend, always smiling, always wise and always forgiving! Thank you Lawson, you are loved and appreciated by many!