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Joe Wilson (American politician)

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For other people named Joseph Wilson, see Joseph Wilson (disambiguation).
Joe Wilson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 2nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 18, 2001
Preceded byFloyd Spence
Personal details
Political partyRepublican
SpouseRoxanne Wilson
ChildrenAlan McCrory Wilson
Addison Graves Wilson, Jr.
Julian Dusenbury Wilson
Hunter Taylor Wilson
ResidenceWest Columbia, South Carolina
Alma materWashington and Lee University, University of South Carolina
OccupationAttorney
Websitehttp://www.joewilson.house.gov
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
United States Army National Guard
RankColonel
UnitReserve
South Carolina

Addison Graves Wilson, Sr., most commonly known as Joe Wilson (born July 31, 1947) is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of South Carolina. He is a former State Senator and currently represents the state's 2nd congressional district, in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district is based in the state capital, Columbia, and stretches to the resort towns of Beaufort and Hilton Head Island. Wilson received international attention in September 2009 when he interrupted a speech by U.S. President Barack Obama by shouting "You lie!"

Wilson was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to Hugh de Veaux Wilson and Wray Graves Wilson.

He was active in South Carolina Republican politics from a young age, participating in his first Republican campaign in 1962. As a teenager he joined the campaign of Congressman Floyd Spence, later working as an aide to Senator Strom Thurmond.

Wilson obtained a bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University in 1969, obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1972, worked as a real estate attorney, and co-founded the law firm Kirkland, Wilson, Moore, Taylor & Thomas[1] in West Columbia, where he practiced for over 25 years. Wilson was also a municipal judge in Springdale.[2]

From 1972 to 1975, Wilson served in the United States Army Reserve, and then as a Staff Judge Advocate in the South Carolina Army National Guard assigned to the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade until retiring from military service as a Colonel in 2003.

In 1981 and 1982, during the Reagan Administration, Wilson served as Deputy General Counsel for former Governor Jim Edwards at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Wilson was elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1984 as a Republican from Lexington County. He was reelected four times, the last three times unopposed; Lexington County is one of the most Republican counties in the state. He never missed a regular legislative session in 17 years. After the Republicans gained control of the chamber in 1996, he became the first Republican to serve as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. Wilson was a member of the Columbia College Board of Visitors and Coker College Board of Trustees.

In 2000, Wilson was one of seven Republicans in the South Carolina Senate to vote to continue flying the Confederate battle flag over the state house, saying, "The Southern heritage, the Confederate heritage is very honourable." The Senate voted 36-7 to take down the flag.[3] Wilson has been a member of the organization Sons of Confederate Veterans.[2][4]

U.S. House of Representatives

After Spence, his former boss, died in 2001, Wilson ran for his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won a crowded five-way primary with 75 percent of the vote, and won the December 18 special election with 73% of the vote.[5][6] He was sworn in the next day.

Wilson won election to a full term in 2002 with 84% of the vote., facing only four minor-party candidates.[5][7]

Wilson was mentioned as a possible candidate for retiring Senator Fritz Hollings' seat in 2004,[8] but he decided to run for a second full term and beat his opponents, Democrat Michael Ray Ellisor and Constitution Party nominee Steve Lefemine, with 65% of the vote.[5][9]

In 2003, Wilson voted for the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, including its Section 1011 authorizing $250,000 annually of taxpayer money to reimburse hospitals for treatment of illegal immigrants. In 2009, Wilson changed to his current position opposing public funds for healthcare of illegal immigrants.[10]

In the 2006 elections, he defeated Ellisor again, gaining 62.7% of the vote, and kept his House seat.[11]

In the 2008 general election, he won 54% of the vote to Rob Miller's 46%,[12] the closest race in the district in 20 years.

Like Spence, Wilson is an ardent social and fiscal conservative, and a strong supporter of the military. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee.

Bills

Wilson has sponsored and cosponsored a number of bills, issuing press releases regarding seven of them, concerning:

  • Teacher recruitment and retention
  • College campus fire safety
  • National Guard troop levels
  • Arming airline pilots
  • Tax credits for adoptions
  • Tax credits for living organ donors
  • State defense forces

As of January 2006, eight bills cosponsored by Wilson have been signed by the president, including H.R.1973, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005, making safe water and sanitation an objective of U.S. assistance to developing countries.[13]

Wilson is a staunch advocate of a federal prohibition of online poker. In 2006, he cosponsored H.R. 4411, the Goodlatte-Leach Internet Gambling Prohibition Act[14] and H.R. 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.[15]

He has cited as his proudest congressional achievements the Drafting Business Expensing Act of 2003, which temporarily increased tax depreciation for business equipment and machinery, and the Drafting Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2003, which assisted teachers in certain subjects with student loan debt.[16] He cites as his most important vote the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.[16]

Controversy over "hatred of America" remark

On a 2002 live broadcast of the C-SPAN talk show Washington Journal, guests Wilson and Democratic congressman Bob Filner were discussing Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. When Filner said that the US "gave" Iraq "chemical and biological weapons" in the 1980s, Wilson said this idea was "made up" and commented to Filner "This hatred of America by some people is just outrageous. And you need to get over that." Wilson apologized for his remarks in statements to the press.[17][18]

Criticism of Strom Thurmond's daughter

In 2003, Essie Mae Washington-Williams' revealed that she was the daughter of Wilson's former employer, the late Senator Strom Thurmond, and Thurmond's black maid. Wilson was among those who publicly doubted her claim that Thurmond had a child out of wedlock. Wilson said even if her story was true, she should not have revealed it because "it's a smear" on Thurmond's image and was a way to "diminish" Thurmond's legacy.[19] After Thurmond's family acknowledged the truth of Washington-Williams' revelation, Wilson apologized but said that he still thought that she should not have revealed that Thurmond was her father.[20]

Outburst during 2009 Presidential address

File:091009 Wilson.jpg
Wilson shouting "You lie" to the President, while colleagues look on. (AFP photo)

On September 9, 2009, President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress to outline his proposal for reforming health care. During his address, the President said:

There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false – the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.[21]

In a breach of decorum,[22] Wilson pointed at the President and shouted, "You lie!"[23][24][25][26] which he said afterwards reflected his view that the bill would provide government-subsidized benefits to illegal immigrants.[27] Wilson attracted national and international attention for the incident.[28][29]

Members of Congress from both parties condemned the outburst. "Totally disrespectful," said Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) of Wilson's utterance. "No place for it in that setting or any other and he should apologize immediately."[30][31] The non-partisan Factcheck.org noted that "the President was correct"[32]. The Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact said Wilson's claim was false.[33]

"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill," said the South Carolina Republican Congressman later that evening in a statement. "While I disagree with the President's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the President for this lack of civility.”[34] President Obama later accepted Wilson's apology. "I'm a big believer that we all make mistakes," said Obama. "He apologized quickly and without equivocation and I'm appreciative of that."[35]

Shortly afterwards, Wilson recorded a YouTube video defending his opposition to Obama's health care plan – and requesting donations to his own re-election campaign.[36] Wilson claimed he received an outpouring of support from constituents following his outburst.[37] Wilson received more than $1 million from contributors in the days following the incident, his campaign officials told the media.[38] Within days of the episode, Rob Miller, Wilson's likely opponent in the 2010 Congressional elections, received over $1 million of his own in campaign contributions,[39] far more than Miller raised during the entire 2008 campaign.[40]

On Saturday, some Democrats demanded that Wilson apologize formally on the House floor. But on Sunday, Wilson said he would not apologize on the floor of the House,[41] and said in a televised interview that "I believe one apology is sufficient."[42] A spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House "likely will take up a resolution" to formally rebuke Wilson.[43]

Committee assignments

Party leadership

Family

Joe and his wife Roxanne Dusenbury McCrory Wilson have four sons and four grandchildren. His oldest son Alan McCrory Wilson is also a lawyer, working as an Assistant Attorney General for South Carolina,[44] and a Major in the Army National Guard, having served a year as an intelligence officer in southern Iraq. He is currently running for the Republican nomination for the South Carolina State Attorney General in 2010.[45] Addison G. "Add" Wilson, Jr. is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and is now an Lieutenant and graduate of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences medical school. Julian Dusenbury Wilson is a graduate of Clemson University and is a Captain in the Army National Guard. Hunter Taylor Wilson currently attends Clemson University, where he is a member of the Army ROTC, Army National Guard and the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

In an 2005 guest article on Rediff.com, Wilson stated that his father Hugh was a member of the Flying Tigers in World War II.[46] The Wilson family attends First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.[2]

Electoral history

South Carolina's 2nd congressional district: Results 2000–2008[6][47]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct 3rd Party Party Votes Pct 3rd Party Party Votes Pct
2000 Jane Frederick 110,672 41% Floyd Spence * 154,338 57% Timothy Moultrie Libertarian 3,622 1% George C. Taylor Natural Law 2,273 1%
2001 Brent Weaver 14,034 25% Joe Wilson 40,355 73% Warren Eilertson Libertarian 420 1% Steve Lefemine Constitution 404 1%
2002 (no candidate) Joe Wilson 144,149 84% Mark Whittington United Citizens 17,189 10% James R. Legg Libertarian 9,650 6%
2004 Michael Ray Ellisor 93,249 33% Joe Wilson 181,862 65% Steve Lefemine Constitution 4,447 2%
2006 Michael Ray Ellisor 76,090 37% Joe Wilson 127,811 63%
2008 Rob Miller 158,627 46% Joe Wilson 184,583 54%
Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 2000, write-ins received 71 votes. In 2001, write-ins received 1 vote. In 2002, write-ins received 371 votes. In 2004, write-ins received 312 votes. In 2006, write-ins received 151 votes. In 2008, write-ins received 276 votes.

* Floyd Spence died in office, causing the 2001 special election to be held. Wilson served the remainder of the term.

See also

References

  1. ^ Project Vote Smart - Representative Addison Graves 'Joe' Wilson Sr. - Biography
  2. ^ a b c "Wilson, Addison Graves "Joe"". Our Campaigns. September 10, 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  3. ^ "Rep. Joe Wilson said "the Confederate heritage is very honorable" during SC flag dispute". Facing South. The Institute for Southern Studies. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
  4. ^ "Rep. Joe Wilson fought to keep Confederate flag flying in S.C.; member of Sons of Confederate Veterans". Poor Mojo's Newswire. September 10, 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-10. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  5. ^ a b c AP.org web site. Accessed April 10, 2008.
  6. ^ a b Special election vote totals are at South Carolina Election Commission official web site; go to the page for December 18, 2001 special election. Accessed April 10, 2008.
  7. ^ He received 144,149 votes to 17,189 and 9,650 minor party candidates with 371 write-in votes. See South Carolina Election Commission official web site, go to the page for November 5, 2002 general election. Accessed April 10, 2008.
  8. ^ Roll Call, August 18, 2003
  9. ^ Wilson got 181,862 votes to 93,249 for Democrat Ellisor, and 4,447 for minor party candidate Lefemine, with 312 write-ins. See South Carolina Election Commission official web site, go to the page for November 2, 2004 general election. Accessed April 10, 2008.
  10. ^ Shaw, Donny (September 11, 2009). "Joe Wilson Voted to Provide Taxpayer Money for Illegal Immigrants' Healthcare". OpenCongress,org. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  11. ^ Wilson received 127,811 votes to Ellisor's 76,090 votes, with 151 write-ins. See South Carolina Election Commission official web site, go to the page for November 7, 2006 general election. Accessed April 10, 2008.
  12. ^ "U.S. House". USA Today. November 5, 2008. p. A16. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  13. ^ Thomas (Library of Congress): H.R. 1973
  14. ^ Thomas (Library of Congress): HR 4411
  15. ^ Thomas (Library of Congress): HR 4777
  16. ^ a b James Rosen, "Joe Wilson Biography", The State, September 10, 2009
  17. ^ "Wilson accuses California congressman of hating America", Associated Press, September 26, 2002
  18. ^ Lloyd Grove, "The Reliable Source", Washington Post, September 25, 2002
  19. ^ Jennifer Talhelm, "Most Say Revelation Won't Alter Thurmond's Legacy", The State, December 14, 2003
  20. ^ Jennifer Talhelm and Aaron Gould Shinin, "Critics of Thurmond's Daughter Change Tune", The State, December 19, 2003
  21. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/us/politics/10obama.text.html?pagewanted=print
  22. ^ "Wilson Apologizes After Accusing Obama of a 'Lie'". Bloomberg. September 10, 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  23. ^ "Obama heckled by GOP during speech to Congress". Associated Press. September 10, 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  24. ^ Politico:"A voice from the floor on illegal immigrants: 'Lie'"Retrieved September 9, 2009
  25. ^ "The Huffington Post: "GOP Rep Joe Wilson Yells Out "Lie" During Obama Health Care Speech To Congress (VIDEO)" Retrieved September 9, 2009
  26. ^ Spillius, Alex (2009-09-10). "Barack Obama health care speech: Republican calls president a liar". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  27. ^ FOX News coverage of Wilson controversy
  28. ^ Spiegel, [1] (German), Le Monde [2] (French - dubs him "Joe 'You Lie' Wilson"), El Pais, [3] (Spanish).
  29. ^ Time, 10 September 2009, "'You Lie!': Representative Wilson's Outburst"
  30. ^ CNN.com - Transcripts
  31. ^ The Daily Voice: "South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson calls the President a liar during speech" Retrieved September 9,2009
  32. ^ http://www.factcheck.org/2009/09/obamas-health-care-speech/
  33. ^ http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/09/joe-wilson/joe-wilson-south-carolina-said-obama-lied-he-didnt/
  34. ^ "Wilson apologizes: 'I let my emotions get the best of me'" Retrieved September 9, 2009
  35. ^ Stolberg, Sheryl Gay (September 10, 2009). "Obama Accepts Wilson's Apology". New York Times. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  36. ^ "Stand with Joe at JoeWilsonforCongress.com". YouTube. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  37. ^ "Rep. Wilson apologizes, but says won't be muzzled". WIS. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  38. ^ [4]
  39. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/12/wilson.fundraising/
  40. ^ http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?id=SC02&cycle=2008
  41. ^ http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_6_0_t&usg=AFQjCNGBRrFddPHLGUVGfK7Q3GDix01rIA&cid=1312020728&ei=KzmtSuDCCaKyNYCEjt0C&rt=STORY&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reuters.com%2Farticle%2FdomesticNews%2FidUSTRE58C14N20090913
  42. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_dIpZ8XA64&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.google.com%2Fnwshp%3Fclient%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial%26hl%3Den%26tab%3Dwn&feature=player_embedded
  43. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-09-13-wilson-vote_N.htm
  44. ^ Biographical note on Alan Wilson, Attorney at Willoughby & Hoefer, P. A. Retrieved September 9, 2009
  45. ^ O'Connor, John (August 25, 2008). "Wilson to run for attorney general". The State. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
  46. ^ Wilson, Joe (September 28, 2005). "Where the world is without fear". Rediff. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  47. ^ "Election Statistics". Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from South Carolina's 2nd congressional district
12-19-2001–present 		Incumbent

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