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Richard B. Wirthlin, pollster and strategist to President Reagan, dies at 80

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Richard B. Wirthlin, a pollster who served as an advisor and election strategist to President Reagan during his 1980 and 1984 campaigns, died in Salt Lake City on Wednesday of natural causes attributable to age.

The Utah native also taught economics at Brigham Young University and founded Wirthlin Worldwide, a research firm with offices on four continents that provided marketing research, public affairs and communications strategies.

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His political work included advising Presidents Nixon and Ford, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and other world leaders.

Wirthlin is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jeralie Mae Chandler, eight children, 27 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are set for Saturday in Salt Lake City.

A full obituary will follow at latimes.com/obits.

-- Associated Press

Photo: Richard B. Wirthlin

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