As a young attorney in the late 1960s, Benton worked with Gerald Ford on investigations of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell and Supreme Court Justice William Douglas. Becker was later tapped to serve as lead counsel for Gerald Ford’s Vice Presidential confirmation hearings before Congress. While counseling President Ford on the disposition of Nixon’s records, papers, and tapes; Benton flew out to California to negotiate the pardon of Richard Nixon. Undaunted by harsh criticism from friends, neighbors, and the public; Becker capped his legal career by serving as a law professor for more than 30 years. A warm-hearted man with a keen wit who is fondly remembered by friends and family, Benton has earned a well-deserved page in the annals of American history. |
