Jorge Larrañaga

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Jorge Washington Larrañaga Fraga (born August 8, 1956, Paysandú) is a Uruguayan politician. He is a senator (2000-2004, 2005-) and was Intendant of Paysandú (1990–1999). He was the presidential candidate of the National Party (Blancos) in 2004.

Larrañaga grew up and attended school in Paysandú. He studied law at the Universidad de la República and practiced until 1990, specializing in civil and labour law.

He took a series of administrative posts in the National Party, culminating in his presidency of the Party's departmental commission in Paysandú (1985–1989). Elected "intendente" in 1989, he won a second term in 1994. He unsuccessfully contested internal party elections for vice presidential candidate in 1999. Technically it was Juan Andrés Ramírez who was running for presidential candidate that year. Had Ramírez won, it was assumed the National Convention of the National Party would choose Larrañaga as the vice presidential candidate as Ramírez-Larrañaga were seen as a joint ticket. In 2004 he won the internal party election and was chosen as the party's presidential candidate. On October 31, 2004 a national election was held. Larrañaga obtained over 34% of the vote. The election was won by Tabaré Vázquez who obtained over 50% of the vote. He was not left empty handed as he did succeed in being elected senator.