Former Vermont Commissioner Ledbetter Dies

A former U.S. Senate candidate who once served as Vermont’s banking and insurance commissioner has died.

Stewart Ledbetter died Thursday. He was 76.

Ledbetter served in the administration of Gov. Richard Snelling and won the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., in 1980. He lost in a close race.

Leahy says Ledbetter was a worthy opponent in a spirited campaign.

Funeral services are set for today in Vero Beach, Fla.

Ledbetter’s son, Stewart, is a longtime anchorman and reporter for WPTZ-TV in Burlington.