James A. McClure

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Jim McClure
James A. McClure

In office
January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1991
Preceded by Len Jordan
Succeeded by Larry Craig

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Idaho's 1st district
In office
January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1973
Preceded by Compton I. White, Jr.
Succeeded by Steve Symms

Born December 27, 1924 (1924-12-27) (age 83)
Payette, Idaho
Political party Republican
Residence Payette
Profession Attorney

James Albertus "Jim" McClure (born December 27, 1924 in Payette, Idaho) is an American politician from the state of Idaho, most notably serving as a Republican in the U.S. Senate.

Jim McClure attended public schools in Payette. Upon turning 18, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II, from 1942-46. McClure graduated from the Navy Program at the University of Idaho-Southern Branch (now Idaho State University) in 1943. After leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Idaho's College of Law, graduating in 1950.

From 1950-56, he served as prosecuting attorney for Payette County; he also served as city attorney for Payette from 1953-66. During this span, he was also a member of the Idaho State Senate, serving from 1961-66.

In the 1966 election, McClure ran for the U.S. House from Idaho's first Congressional district. He won the race, defeating incumbent Compton I. White, Jr., and was reelected in 1968 and 1970.

In 1972, McClure ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the retiring Len Jordan. In the general election he defeated the Democratic nominee, Idaho State University President William E. Davis. McClure was reelected by wide margins in 1978 and 1984.

During his 18 years in the Senate, he served as the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from 1981-87. He also chaired of the Senate Republican Conference from 1981-85. At age 65, McClure declined to run for a fourth term in 1990. Republican congressman Larry Craig of Midvale easily won McClure's Senate seat in November 1990.

After leaving the Senate, McClure became a mining consultant and lobbyist in Washington, D.C., founding the firm of McClure, Gerard, & Neuenschwander. McClure maintains a residence in McCall.

In September 1995, the new home of the College of Mines and Earth Resources at the University of Idaho was dedicated as James A. McClure Hall.

On December 12, 2001, the Federal Building and U.S. Court House in Boise was renamed for McClure.

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United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Compton I. White, Jr.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Idaho's 1st congressional district

January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1973
Succeeded by
Steve Symms
United States Senate
Preceded by
Len Jordan
United States Senator (Class 2) from Idaho
January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1991
Served alongside: Frank Church, Steve Symms
Succeeded by
Larry Craig
Political offices
Preceded by
Henry M. Jackson
Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
1981 – 1987
Succeeded by
J. Bennett Johnston
Party political offices
Preceded by
Len Jordan
Republican Party nominee for U.S. Senator (Class 2) from Idaho
1972, 1978, 1984
Succeeded by
Larry Craig
Preceded by
Bob Packwood
Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference
1981 – 1984
Succeeded by
John Chafee
Languages