Simon Casady (journalist)

Simon Casady
Cassady in 1966
Born(1908-07-17)July 17, 1908
DiedApril 27, 1995(1995-04-27) (aged 86)
NationalityAmerican
Other names"Cyanide Si"
Occupation(s)Journalist, politician
SpouseVirginia Kent Boone
Children5
Parent(s)Thomas Casady and Frances B. Kasson
RelativesGuymon Casady (grandchild)

Simon Casady (July 17, 1908 March 27, 1995) was a journalist and political figure who was influential in California Democratic Party politics, serving as president of the California Democratic Council. Due to his publishing power in the southwest, he helped launch the political careers of Barry Goldwater, Lyndon B. Johnson, Lloyd Bentsen and other politicians. Casady was known for his liberal political positions, including his opposition to the Vietnam War, support for the civil rights movement, environmentalism, and the Farmworkers' Movement, and was known as a frequent defender of Fidel Castro and the Sandinistas. He was the former publisher for El Cajon Valley News (later The Daily Californian), The Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette.