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Famed Bunny Ranch Owner, And GOP Legislative Candidate Dennis Hof Dead At 72

(CNN) -- Dennis Hof, the Nevada brothel owner and self-proclaimed pimp whose Donald Trump-inspired run for the state legislature drew national attention, has died. He was 72.

"Andy Kaufman: Dead or Alive?" All-Star Tribute
HOLLYWOOD,CA - MAY 16: (U.S. TABS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) (from left to right) Bunny Ranch Hostess Layla Jade, Bunny Ranch Owner Dennis Hof, and Bunny Ranch Hostess Sunshine Lane attend the "Andy Kaufman: Dead or Alive?" a celebration and tribute to Andy Kaufman on May 16, 2004 at The House of Blues, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)

Hof was found dead Tuesday, the morning after a birthday celebration attended by conservative anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist, controversial former Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and adult film star Ron Jeremy.

Hof's campaign manager, Chuck Muth, tweeted: "I just confirmed with Nye County sheriff's deputy that Dennis Hof passed away this morning. No other details at this point. I'm heading out to Love Ranch Vegas now. Official statement will come once I learn more."

Lt. David Boruchowitz with the Nye County Sheriff's Office confirmed Hof's death, but said the department is sharing no additional details.

Lamar Odom Reportedly Being Treated At Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center
CRYSTAL, NV - OCTOBER 14: Signs for Dennis Hof's Love Ranch Las Vegas brothel are shown on October 14, 2015 in Crystal, Nevada. Former NBA player Lamar Odom was found unconscious during a visit at the brothel and has been hospitalized at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Hof -- the star of HBO's "Cathouse" series who Republican consultant Roger Stone had called "Trump from Pahrump" -- had ousted a sitting Republican member of Nevada's State Assembly in a primary and was the favorite to win a seat in Carson City in November's election.

"I'm riding the Trump wave," Hof told CNN in June as he explained how an owner of legal brothels could win elections. "He's Christopher Columbus."

"This is the new breed of politicians because of what Donald Trump has done. He's opened that door. Before this, who would have ever elected somebody who said, on tape, 'Grab 'em by the p----'? Nobody ever would do that," Hof said then.

Voters, he said, seem to have decided, "I'd rather have that than the guy that's going to lie to me and raise my taxes and sell me out to the special interests."

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