Doug Spade

Doug Spade (born February 11, 1951) is a Michigan politician and radio personality.

Doug Spade
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 57th district
In office January 1, 1999 – 2004
Preceded by	Tim Walberg
Succeeded by	Dudley Spade
Personal details
Born	(1951-02-11) February 11, 1951 (age 74)
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	JoAnn
Residence	Adrian, Michigan
Alma mater	Adrian College
Website	Doug Spade

Early life

Spade was born on February 11, 1951.^[1]

Education

Spade attended the Michigan School for the Blind for four years. Spade graduated from Camden-Frontier High School before moving to his current residence, Adrian, Michigan, where he graduated from Adrian College.^[2]

Career

Spade hosted the WLEN Radio talk show Party Line for 25 years.^[1][2] On November 3, 1998, Spade became the second blind person to be elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where he represented the 57th district.^[2][3] He served in this position from January 13, 1999, to 2004.^[1] Spade was succeeded by his brother, Dudley.^[1] In 2010, Spade was the Democratic nominee for the Michigan Senate's 17th district, but was defeated by his Republican opponent. Spade was nominated by the Democratic Party in 2014 for the Michigan Senate's 16th district, but was again defeated.^[4]

Personal life

Spade is married to JoAnn.^[1] Spade has had multiple Leader Dogs. During his time in the legislature, Spade's Leader Dog was named Toby. Toby was the first seeing eye dog used by a member of the Michigan Legislature. Spade's most recent Leader Dog is Lucky.^[2]