James J. Blanchard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James J. Blanchard
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| United States Ambassador to Canada | |
| In office August 19, 1993 – March 29, 1996 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Peter Teeley |
| Succeeded by | Gordon Giffin |
| 45th Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 1983 – January 1, 1991 |
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| Lieutenant | Martha Griffiths |
| Preceded by | William Milliken |
| Succeeded by | John Engler |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 18th district |
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| In office January 3, 1975 – January 1, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Robert J. Huber |
| Succeeded by | William Broomfield |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Johnston Blanchard
August 8, 1942 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Paula Blanchard (Divorced 1987) Janet Blanchard |
| Education | Michigan State University (BA, MBA) University of Minnesota (JD) |
James Johnston Blanchard (born August 8, 1942) is an American lawyer, diplomat, and politician. He served as the 45th governor of Michigan from 1983 to 1991. Before that, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1983. Later, he became the United States Ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1996. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Early Life and Education
James Blanchard was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 8, 1942. He grew up in Ferndale, Michigan, and went to Ferndale high school. He studied at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964 and an MBA in 1965.
He then attended the University of Minnesota Law School, where he earned a law degree (Juris Doctor) in 1968. Soon after, he became a licensed lawyer in Michigan. Today, he lives in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan.
Political Career and Public Service
Blanchard started his career as a lawyer in Lansing. He worked as a legal advisor for the Michigan Secretary of State in 1968 and 1969. From 1969 to 1974, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Michigan.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1974, Blanchard was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Michigan's 18th District as a Democrat. He served four terms, from January 3, 1975, to January 1, 1983.
During his time in Congress, he played a key role in helping the Chrysler Corporation. He helped create a law that gave federal loan guarantees to Chrysler. This action helped save the company from going bankrupt.
Becoming Governor of Michigan
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Instead of running for Congress again in 1982, Blanchard decided to run for Governor of Michigan. He won the election, defeating Republican Richard Headlee. Blanchard served two terms as governor, from 1983 to 1991.
He was the first Democratic governor in Michigan in 20 years. When he took office on January 1, 1983, Michigan faced huge challenges. The state had a $1.7 billion budget deficit and very high unemployment, over 17 percent.
Governor Blanchard worked with business, labor, and education leaders. He created a plan for Michigan's future. He also raised income taxes and fees to help the state's finances.
By the end of his time as governor, he had balanced eight state budgets in a row. He also improved Michigan's credit rating. He created a "rainy-day fund" of $422 million for emergencies. His work saved the state over $1 billion by reducing borrowing costs.
Newsweek magazine praised Governor Blanchard for leading a "dramatic economic turnabout" in Michigan. Other national publications also listed him among the best governors. However, in 1990, he lost his re-election bid to State Senator John Engler.
Later Public Service and Activities
After leaving the governor's office in 1991, Blanchard joined a law firm in Washington. He also helped Bill Clinton's successful presidential campaign in Michigan in 1992.
President Clinton later appointed Blanchard as the United States Ambassador to Canada. He held this important diplomatic role from 1993 to 1996. In 2002, Blanchard ran for governor of Michigan again, but he did not win the primary election.
Blanchard has continued to be active in public life. He has served on the board of the Canadian pipeline company Enbridge. He also advised them after the 2010 Kalamazoo River oil spill. He was a board member for Nortel and Chrysler Group LLC. He is also a member of the ReFormers Caucus of Issue One, a group that works on political reform.
