Robert E. Burton; Joined Brothers in Politics

Robert E. Burton, 72, a member of the state Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Less known than his brothers, state Senate President Pro Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco) and the late U.S. Rep. Phillip Burton, Robert was also known for his political activity in California. Together, the three brothers were players in the so-called Burton machine, which dominated San Francisco politics for two decades. Burton was appointed to the workers’ compensation post by Gov. Gray Davis two years ago. He had served on the San Francisco Community College District board since 1972 and on the Prison Industry Board since 1984. On Sunday in San Francisco after suffering heart and circulatory problems.