Lamar S. Smith

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Lamar S. Smith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 21st district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 1987
Preceded by Tom Loeffler
Bexar County Commissioner of the 3rd Precinct[1]
In office
1983–1985
Preceded by Jeff Wentworth
Succeeded by Walter Bielstein
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 57th district
In office
December 15, 1981 – November 15, 1982
Preceded by James Nowlin
Succeeded by Chock Word
Personal details
Born Lamar Seeligson Smith
November 19, 1947 (1947-11-19) (age 64)
San Antonio, Texas
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Elizabeth Lynn Schaefer
Residence San Antonio, Texas
Alma mater Southern Methodist University, Yale University
Occupation Attorney
Religion Christian Science

Lamar Seeligson Smith (born November 19, 1947) is the U.S. Representative (Republican) for Texas's 21st congressional district, serving since 1987. The district includes most of the wealthier sections of San Antonio and Austin, as well as nearly all of the Texas Hill Country. He introduced the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act (PCIP).

Contents

Early life, education, and legal career

Smith was born in San Antonio, Texas the son of Eloise Keith (née Seeligson) and Jamal Donald Willing.[2] He is a first cousin, once removed, of oilman Arthur A. Seeligson, Jr. He graduated from T.M.I.: The Episcopal School of Texas (1965), Yale University (1969), and Southern Methodist University Law School (1975).

In 1969, he was hired as a management intern by the Small Business Administration in Washington, DC. He was a business and financial writer for the Christian Science Monitor in 1970. He was admitted to the State bar of Texas in 1975. He went into private practice in San Antonio with the firm of Maebius and Duncan, Inc.[3]

State politics

In 1978, he was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Bexar County. In 1980, Smith was elected to the Bexar County based-57th District of the Texas House of Representatives. He served on the Energy Resources Committee and the Fire Ants Select Committee.[4] In 1982, he was elected to the 3rd Pricinct of the Bexar County Commission.

U.S. House of Representatives

Earlier portrait of Congressman Lamar Smith

Elections

1986

In 1986, four-term incumbent Republican U.S. Congressman Tom Loeffler of Texas' 21st congressional district decided to retire to run for governor of Texas. Smith led a crowded six-way primary with 31% of the vote[5] and then defeated Van Archer in the run-off election 54%–46%.[6] He won the general election with 61% of the vote.[7]

1988–2002

During this time period, he never won re-election with less than 73% of the vote.

2004

Smith's district was significantly altered in the 2003 Texas redistricting. While he lost most of the Hill Country to the 23rd District, he picked up a significant portion of Austin, including the area around the University of Texas, a traditional bastion of liberalism. Smith won re-election with 62% of the vote, Smith's lowest winning percentage since his initial run in 1986.[8]

2006
Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in Texas, 2006

In 2006, the Supreme Court of the United States threw out the 23rd District in League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry on the grounds that it violated the rights of Latino voters. The 23rd is the largest district in the nation (not counting the at-large districts), stretching across 800 road miles from El Paso to San Antonio. Due to its size, nearly every district in the El Paso-San Antonio corridor had to be redrawn. Smith regained most of the Hill Country, but kept a large portion of his share of Austin, including the area around the University of Texas.

In November 2006 the Texas Legislative Council [9] found that nearly two-thirds of voters in District 21 cast ballots for statewide Republican candidates in 2004. In the November 2006 open election, Smith faced six candidates. He defeated Democrats John Courage and Gene Kelly 60%–24%-9%.[10][11] This was Smith's lowest winning percentage of his career.

2008
Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in Texas, 2008

He only faced one candidate, Libertarian nominee James Arthur Strohm, and defeated him with 80% of the vote.[12]

2010
Main article: United States House of Representatives elections in Texas, 2010

He faced two candidates, Democratic nominee Lainey Melnick and Libertarian nominee James Arthur Strohm, and won with 69% of the vote.[13]

Tenure

Abortion

Smith has consistently supported restrictions on abortion. In 2009, Smith voted to prohibit federally funded abortions.[14] In 2006, Smith voted for the Abortion Pain Bill, which would “ensure that women seeking an abortion are fully informed regarding the pain experienced by their unborn child,” [15] and the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would “prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions.” [16] In 2008, the National Right to Life Committee, a strong advocate for the rights of the unborn,[17] gave Representative Smith a rating of 100 on a point system in which points were assigned for actions in support of legislation they described as pro-life.[18]

Digital Millennium Copyright Act

On April 23, 2006 CNet reported that Smith was introducing a bill that "would expand the DMCA's restrictions on software that can bypass copy protections and grant federal police more wiretapping and enforcement powers."[19] The move sparked a negative response among technology enthusiasts in opposition to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

On June 23, 2011, H.R. 2306 was introduced to Congress by Barney Frank and co-signer Ron Paul.[20] The intent of the bill was to end the Federal prohibition on Cannabis, turning over the regulation of marijuana to states (similar to alcohol). The bill was the first of its kind since prohibition began. H.R. 2306 would limit federal powers to interstate transfer; while laws for cultivation, sales, use, and taxation would be determined by each state. This bill was well received by the public,[who?] especially medical marijuana patients and activists.

Lamar Smith informed reporters that he had no intention of considering the bill or providing it with a hearing. With Smith's position as chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary, he has great influence on what bills will be considered.

Smith stated that "Marijuana use and distribution is prohibited under federal law because it has a high potential for abuse and does not have an accepted medical use in the U.S., The Food and Drug Administration has not approved smoked marijuana for any condition or disease."[21] According to the National Cancer Institute, "Cannabis and cannabinoids have been studied in the laboratory and the clinic for relief of pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and loss of appetite," though "there is not enough evidence to recommend that patients inhale or ingest Cannabis as a treatment for cancer-related symptoms or side effects of cancer therapy."[22] Smith also stated that "Decriminalizing marijuana will only lead to millions more Americans becoming addicted to drugs and greater profits for drug cartels who fund violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Allowing states to determine their own marijuana policy flies in the face of Supreme Court precedent."[21]

On June 24, 2011, Lamar Smith's Facebook page was flooded with protests from citizens, asking him to change his position on the bill and calling for a fair hearing. Smith's Facebook page was temporarily taken down soon after, to be returned void of all comments related to H.R. 2306 and with future comments disabled.[23] The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) encouraged MMJ patients and activists to contact Smith via his phone, which was soon turned to an automatic answering machine, stating the office was closed.[23]

Donations

In 2011 Smith had received $37,250 in campaign contributions from the Beer, Wine and Liquor Lobby,[24][clarification needed] and $65,800 total between 2009 and 2011. Maplight.org listed the Beer, Wine, and Liquor Lobby as third among Smith's top ten campaign contributors.[25]

SOPA

Smith is a sponsor of the Stop Online Piracy Act, also known as "SOPA", a controversial[26][27] law against copyright infringement and other illegal activities on the Internet.

Taxes

Smith is a signer of Americans for Tax Reform’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge.[28]

Committee assignments

Personal life

Smith is a Christian Scientist. His wife, Elizabeth Lynn Schaefer, is a Christian Science practitioner and teacher. He divides his time between homes in San Antonio and Hyannisport, Massachusetts. They have 2 children, Nell Seeligson (born 1976) and Tobin Wells (born 1979), from his previous marriage.

See also

References

  1. ^ Past Bexar County Commissioners. Bexar.org. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  2. ^ lamar smith. Freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  3. ^ Representative Lamar S. Smith. Independenceave.org. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  4. ^ Legislative Reference Library | Legislators and Leaders | Member profile. Lrl.state.tx.us. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  5. ^ TX District 21 – R Primary Race – May 03, 1986. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  6. ^ TX District 21 – R Runoff Race – Jun 07, 1986. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  7. ^ TX District 21 Race – Nov 04, 1986. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  8. ^ TX – District 21 Race – Nov 02, 2004. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  9. ^ Gary Martin, "Courage, other veterans speak out against Bush", San Antonio Express-News, February 8, 2006.
  10. ^ Greg Jefferson, "Remap is looking good for incumbent Smith", San Antonio Express-News, September 3, 2006.
  11. ^ TX – District 21 Race – Nov 07, 2006. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  12. ^ TX – District 21 Race – Nov 04, 2008. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  13. ^ TX – District 21 Race – Nov 02, 2010. Our Campaigns. Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  14. ^ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Smith on H Amdt 509 – Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services". Votesmart.org. http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=28173&can_id=27097. Retrieved 2010-08-29. 
  15. ^ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Smith on HR 6099 – Abortion Pain Bill". Votesmart.org. http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=11772&can_id=27097. Retrieved 2010-08-29. 
  16. ^ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Smith on S 403 – Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act". Votesmart.org. http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=7972&can_id=27097. Retrieved 2010-08-29. 
  17. ^ "National Right to Life". Nrlc.org. http://www.nrlc.org/default.html. Retrieved 2010-08-29. 
  18. ^ "Project Vote Smart – Representative Lamar S. Smith – Interest Group Ratings". Votesmart.org. 2010-05-14. http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=27097. Retrieved 2010-08-29. 
  19. ^ Declan McCullagh , "Congress readies broad new digital copyright bill", CNet, April 24, 2006.
  20. ^ H.R. 2306: Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011. GovTrack.us. Retrieved on 2011-11-16.
  21. ^ a b Marijuana bill officially introduced to Congress by Ron Paul, Barney Frank – latimes.com. Latimesblogs.latimes.com (2011-06-23). Retrieved on 2012-01-09.
  22. ^ New NCI Resource About Cannabis (Marijuana) – National Cancer Institute. Cancer.gov. Retrieved on 2011-11-16.
  23. ^ a b Reefer Madness: Alive And Well In The Federal Government! | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform. Blog.norml.org (2011-06-24). Retrieved on 2012-1-26.
  24. ^ Lamar Smith: Campaign Finance/Money – Summary – Representative 2012. OpenSecrets. Retrieved on 2011-11-16.
  25. ^ Lamar Smith (R-TX) U.S. House | MAPLight.org – Money and Politics. MAPLight.org. Retrieved on 2011-11-16.
  26. ^ Lee, Timothy (2012-01-14). "Under voter pressure, members of Congress backpedal (hard) on SOPA". arstechnica.com. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2012/01/under-voter-pressure-members-of-congress-backpedal-on-sopa.ars. Retrieved 2012-01-17. 
  27. ^ Smith, Erica (2012-01-16). "Internet giants to protest controversial legislation with blackouts Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/internet-giants-to-protest-controversial-legislation-with-blackouts/article_42a43110-40af-11e1-b572-0019bb30f31a.html#ixzz1jiAnata7". STLToday.com (St. Louis Today). http://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/internet-giants-to-protest-controversial-legislation-with-blackouts/article_42a43110-40af-11e1-b572-0019bb30f31a.html. Retrieved 2012-01-17. 
  28. ^ "The Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers 112th Congressional List". Americans for Tax Reform. http://s3.amazonaws.com/atrfiles/files/files/091411-federalpledgesigners.pdf. Retrieved November 30, 2011. 

External links

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by
Tom Loeffler		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 21st congressional district
1987–present		 Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by
James V. Hansen
Utah		 Chairman of House Ethics Committee
1999–2001		 Succeeded by
Joel Hefley
Colorado
Preceded by
John Conyers
Michigan		 Chairman of House Judiciary Committee
2011–present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
United States order of precedence
Preceded by
Louise Slaughter
D-New York		 United States Representatives by seniority
37th		 Succeeded by
Fred Upton
R-Michigan
Senators
Representatives
Other states'
delegations
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lamar_S._Smith&oldid=473816464"
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Interaction
Toolbox
Print/export
Languages