Bill Liedtke

Who is Bill Liedtke?

Bill Liedtke, Jr. was the co-founder of Zapata Corporation in 1952, along with his brother, Hugh, John Overbey, Thomas J. Devine, and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. Zapata merged with Pennzoil, and the Liedtkes took over United Gas Pipeline in 1956.

Liedtke became the Texas finance chairman for Richard Nixon's Presidential campaigns in 1968 and 1972. He paid hush money to E. Howard Hunt in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

Liedtke attended Amherst College, later serving on the Board of Trustees, and attended the University of Texas School of Law. He also served as finance chair for the Bush-Quayle campaign of 1988. His son, William C. Liedtke III was treasurer for the Bob Anthony for Senate campaign.