Dan Rostenkowski
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Daniel David Rostenkowski | |
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| In office 1959–1995 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas S. Gordon |
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| Succeeded by | Michael Patrick Flanagan |
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| Born | January 2, 1928 Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Laverne, wed 1951 |
Daniel David "Dan" Rostenkowski (born January 2, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois) was a United States Representative from Illinois from 1959 to 1995. He was a member of the United States Democratic Party.
He attended Loyola University Chicago. A product of the Cook County machine and the son of a "ward boss," Joseph P. Rostenkowski of the 32nd ward, Daniel Rostenkowski was for many years Democratic Committeeman of Chicago's 32nd Ward, retaining this position even while serving in Congress. In Washington, he rose by virtue of seniority to the rank of Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in 1981. As Chairman of Ways and Means, he played an important role in tax and trade policy for more than a decade.
Rostenkowski's political career was shattered in 1994, when he was indicted on corruption charges for his key role in the House post office scandal. He was forced to step down from all Congressional leadership positions. In elections later that year, Rostenkowski lost his seat and retired from political life. Charges against Rostenkowski included keeping "ghost" employees on his payroll, using Congressional funds to buy gifts such as chairs and ashtrays for friends, and trading in officially purchased stamps for cash at the House post office[1]. In 1996, he pleaded guilty to reduced charges of mail fraud. He was fined and was sentenced to 17 months in prison, of which he served 15. Rostenkowski was pardoned in Dec. 2000 by US President Bill Clinton.
Rostenkowski's downfall in 1994 was portrayed by Republicans as emblematic of Democratic corruption. The scandal helped fuel the Republican victory in the House, led by Newt Gingrich and his Contract with America. "The rise and fall of Dan Rostenkowski tracks the rise and fall of Democrats in the House," concludes Richard E. Cohen in his book on Rostenkowski [2] . "It is a story of power, accomplishments, and, ultimately, failure and humiliation." Rostenkowski was defeated by Republican attorney Michael Patrick Flanagan by a margin of eight points.
Rostenkowski receives a federal pension of between US$97,000 and US$125,000 per year. Congressional pensions are based on years of service and Rostenkowski is one of the few Congressmen to have served 36 years in Congress. If he had retained his seat he would be the 2nd most senior Representative in Congress today with 49 years of service and he would not be receiving this pension. [3][4] [5]
Following his political career, he has worked as a political commentator.
[edit] Books
- (1999) James L. Merriner, Mr. Chairman: Power in Dan Rostenkowski's America. Southern Illinois University Press. ISBN 0-8093-2473-3.
- (2000) Richard E. Cohen, Rostenkowski: The Pursuit of Power and the End of the Old Politics. Ivan R. Dee Publisher. ISBN 1-56663-310-9.
[edit] External links
- Dan Rostenkowski at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Public Affairs Report, Cal Berkeley
| Preceded by Thomas S. Gordon |
United States Representative for the 8th District of Illinois 1959–1993 |
Succeeded by Phillip M. Crane |
| Preceded by William O. Lipinski |
United States Representative for the 5th District of Illinois 1993–1995 |
Succeeded by Michael Patrick Flanagan |
| Preceded by Albert Conrad Ullman |
Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee 1981–1994 |
Succeeded by Sam Gibbons |
