Robert O'Shaughnessy
Robert Emmet O'Shaughnessy, Sr. was an American Democratic politician and a member of the Ohio Senate. A member of a political family, O'Shaughnessy was initially appointed to the Senate to succeed his brother, Jerry O'Shaughnessy, who had died. In 1974, O'Shaughnessy overcame a divisive primary and a challenge by Republican Keith McNamara to retain the seat. He subsequently was appointed as Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.
In 1978, O'Shaughnessy faced opposition in John Kasich, a political newcomer. In the end, he lost his seat to Kasich, ending his tenure in the Senate at seven years.
After his defeat, he opted to become Clerk of the Senate, however was not chosen. Subsequently, he returned to his family funeral home business in Columbus, Ohio. He died in 1991, at the age of 72.
