10 Facts About Richard Cranwell

Charles Richard "Dick" Cranwell was born on July 26,1942 and is an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician.

Richard Cranwell would go on to play football in college, transitioning to kicker.

Richard Cranwell was then admitted to the Virginia State Bar and took up practice in Roanoke County, Virginia.

Richard Cranwell is an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar, the American Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Roanoke County-Salem Bar Association.

Richard Cranwell has been married twice and had six children.

Richard Cranwell was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1972, sharing the multi-member 8th district with Republican Raymond Robrecht.

Richard Cranwell won election in the new 14th district, made up of pieces of Craig, Roanoke and Bedford Counties.

Richard Cranwell stayed in the 14th until his retirement from the House in 2001.

Richard Cranwell lost to Tom Moss of Norfolk for the Democratic Caucus nomination to succeed Philpott.

Richard Cranwell was elected as state Democratic party chair on June 18,2005.