Leonard Ray Blanton was an American businessman and politician who served as the 44th Governor of Tennessee from 1975 to 1979. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1967 to 1973. His single term as governor was marked by controversy, culminating in the 'cash-for-clemency' scandal where his administration was accused of selling pardons and paroles. After leaving office, he was convicted of mail fraud, conspiracy, and extortion and was sentenced to federal prison.