Richard Lawrence is a politician.
Background[]
Richard was the oldest of seven kids. He sat next to Congressman Bob Antonelli in law school.
On the series[]
Richard gives a speech at San Pueblo High School, as many students there will be voting for the first time in the next election. Keith Partridge, who was dragged there by Laurie, finds his speech so inspiring that he is shaken out of his previous apathy towards politics and volunteers to work for the campaign as an envelope licker. That night Richard shows up at the Partridges' house to ask Shirley Partridge if the Partridge Family would be interested in performing at his campaign rally in the park. Shirley doesn't want to agree to anything without talking to Reuben Kincaid, but goes on a dinner date with Richard, supposedly so they can talk about the issues. Over the next few days, Richard regularly calls the Partridge house and takes Shirley to a Stravinsky concert. Shirley finally agrees to perform at the rally for free. Richard takes Shirley, Keith, and Cathy Lawrence to an expensive restaurant. At the rally, Richard watches while the Partridge Family plays One Day at a Time and Ain't Love Easy. He loses the election, but gives a speech about how people must continue to make their voices heard. He visits the Partridges and tells them that one advantage of losing the election is that he doesn't have to move to Washington.
As of The Eleven-Year Itch, Richard works at a law firm and has been regularly visiting San Pueblo to continue his relationship with Shirley. This time he brings Julie to San Pueblo with him.