Don Nickles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Nickles
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| Chair of the Senate Budget Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Kent Conrad |
| Succeeded by | Judd Gregg |
| Senate Minority Whip | |
| In office June 6, 2001 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Leader | Trent Lott |
| Preceded by | Harry Reid |
| Succeeded by | Harry Reid |
| In office January 3, 2001 – January 20, 2001 |
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| Leader | Trent Lott |
| Preceded by | Harry Reid |
| Succeeded by | Harry Reid |
| Senate Majority Whip | |
| In office January 20, 2001 – June 6, 2001 |
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| Leader | Trent Lott |
| Preceded by | Harry Reid |
| Succeeded by | Harry Reid |
| In office June 12, 1996 – January 3, 2001 |
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| Leader | Trent Lott |
| Preceded by | Trent Lott |
| Succeeded by | Harry Reid |
| United States Senator from Oklahoma |
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| In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Bellmon |
| Succeeded by | Tom Coburn |
| Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 20th district |
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| In office January 2, 1979 – January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Roy Grantham |
| Succeeded by | William O'Connor |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Lee Nickles
December 6, 1948 Ponca City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Linda Lou Morrison |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Oklahoma State University–Stillwater (BA) |
Donald Lee Nickles (born December 6, 1948) is an American politician. He was a Republican Senator for Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 2005.
People saw him as someone who believed in both careful spending (fiscal conservative) and traditional social values (social conservative). After leaving the Senate, he started a company called the Nickles Group. This company helps businesses talk to the government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Donald Nickles was born and grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma. His parents were Coeweene (Bryan) and Robert C. Nichols. He went to public schools in Ponca City.
To help pay for college, he and his wife, Linda Lou Morrison, ran a cleaning service. He studied at Oklahoma State University. In 1971, he earned a degree in business.
After college, he worked for Nickles Machine Corporation. This was a family business started by his grandfather. He became a vice president there. He also served in the Oklahoma National Guard from 1970 to 1976.
When he was 12, his father passed away. His family had to sell part of their business. This was to pay a special tax called an estate tax. This experience helped shape his views on taxes.
In 1978, at age 29, he was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate. This was his first public office. Two years later, at 31, he became the youngest Republican ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
Time in the U.S. Senate
Donald Nickles served as a U.S. Senator for Oklahoma for 24 years. He focused on several key areas during his time.
Key Laws and Policies
Senator Nickles supported laws that aimed to cut taxes. He also wanted to reduce government spending. He worked to strengthen the country's defense. He believed the government should not be against religion.
He also worked to remove the federal estate tax. This is a tax on money and property left by someone who has died. He wanted to get rid of it completely.
Working with Other Leaders
As a Republican Whip, Nickles was a key leader in the Senate. He helped organize votes and keep his party united.
In 1981, he was one of many Republican senators who called the White House. They shared concerns about the choice of Sandra Day O'Connor for the United States Supreme Court. She later became the first woman on the Supreme Court.
During a rally in 1986, President Ronald Reagan accidentally called him "Don Rickles." Don Rickles was a famous comedian. President Reagan found this mistake very funny.
Nickles voted against two Supreme Court nominees. He voted against Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer. Both were later confirmed to the court.
Senate Leadership Roles
Nickles quickly moved up in the Senate's Republican leadership. He chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee. This group helps elect Republican senators.
He also led the Republican Policy Committee. This committee helps shape the party's goals and plans. From 1996 to 2003, he served as the Assistant Republican Leader. This meant he was the second-highest ranking Republican in the Senate.
After his time as Assistant Leader, he became chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. This committee oversees the government's spending plans.
In 2002, a controversy arose involving Republican Leader Trent Lott. Lott made comments that some people found insensitive. Nickles was the first Republican leader to say Lott should step down. He believed the controversy would distract from the party's work. Lott resigned shortly after.
Nickles was re-elected three times: in 1986, 1992, and 1998. He was the most senior senator from Oklahoma from 1994 until he left office.
After the Senate
On October 7, 2003, Don Nickles announced he would not run for re-election. Tom Coburn was elected to take his place.
After leaving the Senate, Nickles started a company called the Nickles Group. This company works in Washington, D.C. It helps groups and businesses connect with the government. He also serves on the boards of several public companies. One of these is Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy.
Nickles appeared in the 2000 movie Traffic. He shared his thoughts on the "war on drugs" in the film.
Family Life
Donald Nickles and his wife, Linda, have four children.
See also
- HIV Prevention Act of 1997
Other sources
- "Nickles, McCaleb Try to Sabotage Oklahoma Amtrak Service, Opt for Yugo Rather Than Cadillac." Oklahoma State Senate. Communications Division, State Capitol. May 24, 1999.
- Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774–1996. Alexandria, Va.: CQ Staff Directories, 1997.
- "Donald Nickles." Research Division, Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–1989. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1989.
- Congressional Directory, 106th Congress, 1999–2000. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1999.
- Congressional Quarterly's Politics in America 2000, The 106th Congress. Philip D. Duncan and Brian Nutting, eds. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, Inc., 1999.
- Who's Who in American Politics, 1997–1998. Marquis Who's Who, 1997.
