13 Facts About Michael Howlett

Michael Howlett lost to Republican Jim Thompson in the general election.

Michael Howlett was born in Chicago, a son of Irish immigrants.

Michael Howlett was All-American water polo player, participating on ten championship teams of the Illinois Athletic Club.

Michael Howlett graduated from St Mel High School and briefly attended DePaul University, leaving in 1934 to become a state bank examiner.

Michael Howlett later served as Chicago-area director of the National Youth Administration, worked as an executive for the Chicago Park District, and was appointed regional director of the Economic Stabilization Agency.

Michael Howlett served in the United States Navy during World War II.

In 1956, Michael Howlett ran for Illinois State Auditor and is credited with exposing incumbent Auditor Orville Hodge as having embezzled $6.15 million in state funds.

However, in the next general election, in 1960, Michael Howlett was elected Auditor of Public Accounts, and was re-elected twice.

In 1972, Michael Howlett was elected Illinois Secretary of State, becoming the first Democratic state officer to win four consecutive statewide elections.

Michael Howlett was prepared to run for re-election in 1976, but was encouraged by Cook County Democrats to challenge incumbent Governor Dan Walker for the Democratic nomination in 1976.

Michael Howlett's lead expanded during the campaign, and Howlett ended up losing by 30 percentage points, the widest margin of defeat for any Democratic Nominee for Governor of Illinois in history.

Michael Howlett died in Chicago's Mercy Hospital of chronic kidney failure.

Michael Howlett had suffered a stroke three months earlier and remained hospitalized from then until his death.