PROFFITT, ROBERT ANTHONY (1942-2004) ~ Robert Anthony (Tony) Proffitt, political strategist and former aide to Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, was born October 20, 1942, to Ed and Dorothy Proffitt, in Kansas City, Missouri. Tony attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, was a veteran of the United States Army Reserves, and came to Texas in 1962.
In Texas, Tony worked as a photographer for the Temple Telegram and later, he joined the Austin American Statesman as a reporter. Three years later, in 1965, upon the recommendation of one of his editors, Tony joined United States Representative Jake Pickle's Washington staff. In Washington, Tony was given various assignments from the Johnson administration and mastered his political skills.
Five years later, in 1970, Tony returned to Austin, where he furthered his political career by aiding several Texas leaders over the course of thirty years. These leaders include: Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, in whom he served as a press secretary, campaign director, and fundraiser; Governor Bill Clements, State Senator and Insurance Board Chairman Joe Christie; Land Commissioner Bob Landis Armstrong; and former State Treasurer Warren G. Harding. Other political accomplishments in Texas include: mayoral contests in Dallas, Austin, and Houston; the issue of a bond to create the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport; and the constitutional amendments campaign which legalized liquor by the drink in Texas. Outside of Texas leaders and the state, Tony administered his astute political capabilities to former President Jimmy Carter when he worked on his first campaign.
Since 1999, Tony has worked in legislative and media consulting for businesses and non-profit health and human services advocacy groups. He died Sunday, October 17, 2004, at his country home in Liberty Hill, Texas, and was buried in the Texas State Cemetery on October 20, 2004.
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