Ed Crane (politician)

Ed Crane
Born
Edward Harrison Crane

(1944-08-15) August 15, 1944 (age 80)
Los Angeles, California
NationalityAmerican
Academic career
FieldEconomics, politics, social science, culture
InstitutionCato Institute (1977–2012)
School or
tradition		Libertarianism
Alma materUniversity of California, Berkeley (BSc)
University of Southern California (MBA)
President of the Cato Institute
In office
1977 – October 1, 2012
3rd Chair of the Libertarian National Committee
In office
1974–1977
Preceded bySusan Nolan
Succeeded byDavid Bergland
2nd Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee
In office
1972–1974
Preceded bySusan Nolan
InfluencesLudwig von Mises, F.A. Hayek, Milton Friedman

Edward Harrison Crane (born August 15, 1944) is an American libertarian and co-founder of the Cato Institute. He served as its president until October 1, 2012.[1]

In the 1970s, he was one of the most active leaders within the Libertarian Party.[2] He directed the Party as its National Chair from 1974 to 1977,[3] worked on John Hospers's Presidential bid and managed Ed Clark's 1978 campaign for Governor of California. In 1980, Crane served as communications director to the Libertarian Party presidential ticket of Clark and vice presidential candidate David Koch.[4] Prior to founding the Cato Institute, Crane was chartered financial analyst and vice president of Alliance Capital in California.

Crane has been a member of the board of various political organizations, including Americans for Limited Government, a group that assists grassroots efforts throughout the country, and the Center for Competitive Politics. Crane is also a member of the Mont Pelerin Society.

  1. ^ "Cato Institute Welcomes New CEO, Announces Changes to Board". Cato Institute.
  2. ^ Weigel, David (25 June 2012). "Ed Crane steps down to end the Koch brothers' attempted coup at Cato, and libertarians cheer". Slate.com. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  3. ^ Morin, Richard (May 9, 2002). "Free Radical; Libertarian—and Contrarian—Ed Crane Has Run the Cato Institute for 25 Years. His Way". Washington Post. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  4. ^ Jackovich, Karen G. (September 22, 1980). "Ed Clark Is the Libertarian Party's Headstrong Candidate for the White House". People. Retrieved December 10, 2012.