John L. Harmer facts for kids

John L. Harmer (born April 28, 1934 – died December 6, 2019) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Harmer served in the California State Senate from 1966 to 1974. He also held the important role of Lieutenant Governor of California from 1974 to 1975. Besides his political work, he started the Lighted Candle Society and wrote several books. He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John Harmer's Early Life and Education

John L. Harmer was born in 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents were Earl W. Harmer and Mabel Spande. He was one of their five children. John went to the University of Utah.

While at the university, he helped new students learn about college life. He was also very good at debate. He was part of a student group called Phi Eta Epsilon. John was also one of the school's "Vigilantes." These students acted like campus police and helped with student government. They even judged school elections.

Later, Harmer earned a law degree from George Washington University. He was involved with the student court there and became its Chief Justice in 1959. On June 24, 1960, he married Carolyn Jonas. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple and had 10 children together. John Harmer was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, he was very interested in astronomy.

John Harmer's Political Career

Becoming a Republican Politician

John Harmer was a member of the Republican Party. He first got involved in politics by helping with Dwight D. Eisenhower's election campaign in 1952. Later, he worked for U.S. Senator Wallace Bennett.

After that, Harmer worked as a lawyer in Glendale, California. Before becoming a state senator, he also worked for groups that focused on public affairs and constitutional action. By 1966, he was an active member of several Republican groups. He also started the San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Association.

Serving in the California State Senate

Harmer served as a Republican in the California State Senate from 1966 to 1974. During his time as a senator, he helped create new laws. He ran for attorney general in 1970 but did not win. He left the California State Senate in 1974. He also ran for the United States Senate in 1976 but was not elected.

In 1970, while he was a state senator, Harmer tried to stop a play called Oh! Calcutta! from being shown in Los Angeles. He believed it would harm the community's morals.

Lieutenant Governor of California

John Harmer then served as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of California. This was a short term, from 1974 to 1975. He was appointed by the departing Governor Ronald Reagan. Harmer took over after the previous Lieutenant Governor, Edwin Reinecke, left the position. Harmer only served for three months to finish the rest of the term. He was known as one of the most conservative members of the legislature.

While living in California, Harmer also served as a regent for the University of California. He was also a trustee for the California State University System. He chaired a special committee on large urban school districts.

Other Contributions and Later Life

In 1980, John Harmer and his family moved to Bountiful, Utah. Later, they moved to Lindon, Utah. In Utah, Harmer became the chairman of the National Center for Constitutional Studies. He also continued to work as a private lawyer. He worked to stop inappropriate content on cable television programs. In 1988, he became the chairman of Eyring, Inc.

In 1999, Harmer traveled to Moscow, Russia. There, he learned about the Soviet Union's plans to use germ warfare against the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s. This experience inspired him to write a book called Ere His Floods of Anger Flow.

Harmer also became the vice president of Geely-USA. This is the American part of the Chinese car company Geely. Geely was one of the first Chinese car makers to sell cars in North America. In 2001, Harmer founded the Lighted Candle Society. He also wrote another book called Reagan: Man of Principle.