James Abdnor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Abdnor
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| 15th Administrator of the Small Business Administration | |
| In office March 12, 1987 – April 18, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | James C. Sanders |
| Succeeded by | Susan Engeleiter |
| United States Senator from South Dakota |
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| In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | George McGovern |
| Succeeded by | Tom Daschle |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Dakota's 2nd district |
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| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | James Abourezk |
| Succeeded by | Clint Roberts |
| 30th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota | |
| In office January 7, 1969 – January 5, 1971 |
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| Governor | Frank Farrar |
| Preceded by | Lem Overpeck |
| Succeeded by | William Dougherty |
| Member of the South Dakota Senate | |
| In office 1957–1969 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ellis James Abdnor
February 13, 1923 Kennebec, South Dakota, U.S |
| Died | May 16, 2012 (aged 89) Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Nebraska–Lincoln (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Ellis James Abdnor (born February 13, 1923, died May 16, 2012) was an American politician. He served as a United States Senator for South Dakota. He also led the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.
Before that, Abdnor was a member of the United States House of Representatives. He also served as Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota and in the South Dakota Senate.
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Early Life and Education
James Abdnor was born in Kennebec, South Dakota, on February 13, 1923. His parents were Mary and Samuel J. Abdnor.
He served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he went to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He graduated from there in 1945.
Political Career
Abdnor began his political career in the South Dakota Senate. He was a state senator from 1957 to 1969. People often called him "the people's Senator." They saw him as a kind and honest public servant.
Like his fellow politician James Abourezk, Abdnor was of Lebanese-American heritage. He was the second U.S. Senator with Lebanese roots, after Abourezk.
Before becoming a senator, Abdnor worked as a teacher and coach from 1946 to 1948. In the early 1950s, he was the chief clerk for the South Dakota Legislature. From 1969 to 1971, he served as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota.
Time in Congress
In 1972, James Abdnor was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented South Dakota's 2nd congressional district.
In 1980, he ran for the United States Senate. He won against George McGovern, who had been a senator for three terms. Abdnor believed McGovern was not connected enough with the people of South Dakota.
As a senator, Abdnor worked on the Appropriations Committee. He also led three subcommittees, including one for the Environment and Public Works.
In 1986, Abdnor ran for re-election but lost his Senate seat. He then became the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). He held this position from 1987 to 1989.
Important Laws and Projects
Abdnor helped pass laws for several important projects in South Dakota. These included the Grassropes irrigation project. He also supported the Walworth, Edmunds, Brown (WEB) rural water system.
He worked to reauthorize the Belle Fourche irrigation project. He also made sure that oats were included in the farm program. South Dakota grows a lot of oats.
Abdnor believed in careful spending of government money. He introduced a bill called the Deficit Reduction Act in 1984. This bill aimed to reduce the national debt.
He also led a subcommittee focused on water resources. He helped pass laws that required states to share costs for federal water projects. This was important for South Dakota's farming industry.
Notable Staff Members
Many people who worked for Senator Abdnor later held important public service jobs. For example, John Thune, who is now a U.S. Senator, was once on Abdnor's staff.
Other staff members went on to serve in various government roles. These included positions in the Department of Defense and the Department of Agriculture.
Death
James Abdnor passed away on May 16, 2012. He was 89 years old.
See also
- List of Arab and Middle-Eastern Americans in the United States Congress
