Jack Daniels (politician)

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Jack Daniels
In office
1967 – 1970
Preceded by Ray McNeill
Born October 23, 1923
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Died September 4, 2003
Hobbs, New Mexico
Political party Democratic

Jack Daniels (October 23, 1923 – September 3, 2003) was a Democratic New Mexico state representative. He ran unsuccessfully for the governorship in 1970, and for the United States Senate in 1972.

In his last major election against Pete Domenici in 1972, Daniels took advantage of his name, which was similar to that of Jack Daniel's, a popular alcoholic beverage. He handed out tiny bottles of Jack Daniel's whiskey while campaigning.[1]

Contents

[edit] Early life

Daniels was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1923. His family moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, in 1937. After graduation from New Mexico Military Institute in 1943, Daniels served on the destroyer USS Walton in the Pacific theater of World War II. He returned home to join his father's insurance agency. He served on the boards of a number of community associations, and was a New Mexico state representative from 1967 to 1970. He was appointed to the New Mexico State House by Governor Jack Campbell to succeed then-deceased Representative Ray McNeill.[2]

[edit] Governor election

In 1970, Daniels entered the Democratic primary in the race to fill the open seat left by outgoing governor liberal Republican David F. Cargo, who was unable to seek a third term due to term limits. A major issue in the election was how the University of New Mexico should deal with anti-war protesters. Defenders of the University did so on the grounds of free speech, and opponents argued on the grounds of law and order.

Daniels ran as a moderate liberal candidate, and he became the strongest defender of the University of New Mexico throughout the campaign (although he was very similar to Bruce King on most issues, including this one.) On the other hand, Alexander Sceresse attacked the University, calling for law and order. The Democratic primary had above-average turnout, with 54% voting, and King beat Daniels 49%-37%, with Sceresse only getting 14% of the vote.[3]

[edit] Senate election

In 1972, Senator Clinton Presba Anderson retired due to health reasons, and the race began to replace him. A Republican had not won a Senate seat in 38 years, and Jack Daniels was nominated as the Democrat to run against Republican Pete Domenici. Domenici had been the gubernatorial candidate two years prior, but he had lost to Bruce King.

Richard Nixon was up for reelection in 1972, and he was very popular in New Mexico. Furthermore, George McGovern was considered too liberal by many New Mexico voters. All of these factors aligned to help Domenici win with 54% of the vote.

However, Jack Daniels got some prominence in the election when he gave out Jack Daniel's whiskey at his campaign rallies.[1]

[edit] Death and legacy

In his later years, Daniels was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He died on September 3, 2003 in Hobbs, New Mexico. In his memory, Governor Bill Richardson ordered that flags be flown on half-staff on September 5.[4]

His daughter, Diane Denish, is currently New Mexico's Lieutenant Governor.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b State democratic party holding convention saturday. The Associated Press State & Local Wire
  2. ^ Hodgson, G. (1994, January 7). Obituary: Thomas P. O'neill. The Independent (London), pp. 14.
  3. ^ The 1970 Election in New Mexico (in The 1970 Elections in the West). T. Phillip Wolf. The Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 24, No. 2. (Jun., 1971), pp. 316-324.
  4. ^ http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press/2003/sept/090503_1.pdf
Persondata
NAME Daniels, Jack
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION State Representative from New Mexico and U.S. Senate Candidate
DATE OF BIRTH October 31, 1923
PLACE OF BIRTH Council Bluffs, Iowa
DATE OF DEATH September 3 2003
PLACE OF DEATH Hobbs, New Mexico