Ex-state Sen. Wayne Townsend dies at 88

HARTFORD CITY -- Wayne Townsend, a former Indiana state senator who cast an instrumental vote allowing Indiana to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, has died.

Townsend, 88, had amyloidosis, a rare disease affecting his heart.

A Democrat and hog farmer from Hartford City, Townsend was the 1984 Democratic nominee for governor, a race he narrowly lost to Republican incumbent Robert D. Orr.

He is known for his support of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1977, which passed the Indiana Senate by one vote.

The amendment, which sought equal rights for women, did not become law. Indiana was the last state to successfully ratify it.

"What choice did I have?" Townsend told the Indianapolis Star in January, reflecting on his political career. "You believe in the cause or you don't, and I did. The problem was, people saw ghosts that were not there."

The Indiana Democratic Party mourned the loss of Townsend on Friday.

"Wayne was a solid family man, a farmer, and voice for all Hoosiers who was beloved by the people of his district and across the state," said Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson). "My heartfelt sympathy and sincerest thoughts are with his family during this time."

Townsend served as a Purdue University trustee for 15 years.

Star columnist Matthew Tully contributed to this article. Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter:@Mabuckley88.