American libertarian activist and co-founder of the Cato Institute
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Key moments and achievements from Edward Crane's life.
Edward was born
· Washington, D.C., USA
Founded Organization
In 1977, Edward Crane co-founded the Cato Institute in San Francisco with the support of Charles Koch. The libertarian think tank would grow under Crane's leadership from a small operation with a modest budget into one of the nation's most respected and influential public policy research organizations.
Founded Organization
In 1977, Edward Crane co-founded the Cato Institute in San Francisco with the support of Charles Koch. The libertarian think tank would grow under Crane's leadership from a small operation with a modest budget into one of the nation's most respected and influential public policy research organizations.
Political Campaign
Crane managed Ed Clark's 1978 Libertarian Party campaign for Governor of California. Clark received over 377,000 votes, about 5.5% of the total, the strongest showing for a Libertarian gubernatorial candidate in a major state at the time and a milestone for the party's growing visibility.
Political Campaign
Crane managed Ed Clark's 1978 Libertarian Party campaign for Governor of California. Clark received over 377,000 votes, about 5.5% of the total, the strongest showing for a Libertarian gubernatorial candidate in a major state at the time and a milestone for the party's growing visibility.
Political Campaign
Crane served as communications director for the Libertarian Party's 1980 presidential ticket of Ed Clark and David Koch, which achieved a then-record number of votes for the party. The campaign significantly raised the national profile of libertarian ideas and demonstrated the viability of third-party politics.
Political Campaign
Crane served as communications director for the Libertarian Party's 1980 presidential ticket of Ed Clark and David Koch, which achieved a then-record number of votes for the party. The campaign significantly raised the national profile of libertarian ideas and demonstrated the viability of third-party politics.
Leadership Achievement
As president and CEO of the Cato Institute from its founding until 2012, Crane transformed it into one of Washington's most influential think tanks. Under his 35-year leadership, Cato became known for rigorous, non-partisan policy research on issues from trade to civil liberties, earning respect across the political spectrum.
Leadership Achievement
As president and CEO of the Cato Institute from its founding until 2012, Crane transformed it into one of Washington's most influential think tanks. Under his 35-year leadership, Cato became known for rigorous, non-partisan policy research on issues from trade to civil liberties, earning respect across the political spectrum.
Institutional Battle
In 2012, Crane was involved in a high-profile dispute with the Koch brothers, who as major donors sought to align the Cato Institute more closely with the Republican Party. Crane's defense of the institute's independence reflected his lifelong commitment to principled libertarianism and non-partisanship in policy research.
Institutional Battle
In 2012, Crane was involved in a high-profile dispute with the Koch brothers, who as major donors sought to align the Cato Institute more closely with the Republican Party. Crane's defense of the institute's independence reflected his lifelong commitment to principled libertarianism and non-partisanship in policy research.
Edward Crane passed away
