Spiro Theodore Agnew, b. Baltimore, Md., Nov. 9, 1918, d. Sept. 17, 1996, served as U.S. VICE-PRESIDENT and governor of Maryland. Agnew studied law at the University of Baltimore and was admitted to the bar in 1949. He served as Baltimore County executive from 1962 to 1966, when he was elected Republican governor.

As Richard NIXON's vice-president (1969-73), Agnew became known for his colorful speeches attacking dissidents and the news media. Charged with accepting bribes while governor and vice-president, he resigned on Oct. 10, 1973. He pleaded no contest to one count of income tax evasion and was sentenced to three years' probation and fined $10,000. In 1983, as a result of a civil suit, he paid Maryland $270,000 as reimbursement for kickbacks he allegedly received. He wrote a novel, The Canfield Decision (1976).

For Further Reading

Cohen, Richard M., A Heartbeat Away (1974)
Lippman, Theo, Spiro Agnew's America (1972)
Marsh, Robert, Agnew: The Unexamined Man--A Political Profile (1971)