Joseph E. Brennan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joe Brennan
Brennan as governor
Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission
In office November 10, 1999 – January 1, 2013
President	Bill Clinton George W. Bush Barack Obama
Preceded by	William Hathaway
Succeeded by	William P. Doyle
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maine's 1st district
In office January 7, 1987 – January 3, 1991
Preceded by	Jock McKernan
Succeeded by	Tom Andrews
70th Governor of Maine
In office January 3, 1979 – January 7, 1987
Preceded by	Jim Longley
Succeeded by	Jock McKernan
Attorney General of Maine
In office January 2, 1975 – January 3, 1979
Governor	Jim Longley
Preceded by	Jon Lund
Succeeded by	Richard Cohen
Member of the Maine Senate from the 10th district
In office January 3, 1973 – January 1, 1975
Preceded by	Gerard Conley
Succeeded by	Philip Merrill
Member of the Maine House of Representatives from the Portland district
In office January 6, 1965 – January 6, 1971 11 members elected at-large
Personal details
Born	Joseph Edward Brennan (1934-11-02)November 2, 1934 Portland, Maine, U.S.
Died	April 6, 2024(2024-04-06) (aged 89) Portland, Maine, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Constance Brennan
Children	2
Education	Boston College (BS) University of Maine (LLB)
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1953–1955

Joseph Edward Brennan (born November 2, 1934 – died April 6, 2024) was an American lawyer and politician from Maine. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Brennan served as the 70th Governor of Maine from 1979 to 1987. He also represented Maine in the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 1991. Later, Brennan worked as a commissioner for the Federal Maritime Commission.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Brennan was born in Portland, Maine, on November 2, 1934. He grew up in a large family with eight children. His parents were immigrants from Ireland.

Brennan attended Cheverus High School. After high school, he went to Boston College. He then studied law at the University of Maine School of Law. Before his political career, Brennan served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.

Political Career in Maine

Brennan began his political journey in 1964. He was elected to the Maine House of Representatives. He served three terms in this role. When he was first elected, he didn't even own a car. He would hitchhike from Portland to the state capital.

In 1970, Brennan became the county attorney for Cumberland County. He then moved on to the Maine Senate in 1972.

Serving as Attorney General

In 1974, Brennan ran for governor of Maine. He did not win the Democratic nomination that year. However, on January 2, 1975, the Maine Legislature chose him to be the Maine Attorney General.

As Attorney General, Brennan played a key role in important discussions. He worked with Wabanaki tribes and the federal government. These talks led to the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980. This act became a federal law during President Jimmy Carter's time in office.

Governor of Maine

Brennan ran for governor again in 1978. This time, he won both the primary and general elections. He was reelected in 1982. Brennan served as governor from 1979 to 1987.

During his time as governor, Brennan focused on several important areas:

• He started reforms to improve education.
• He pushed for strict rules to make highways safer.
• He helped create the Finance Authority of Maine. This agency helps businesses and communities in Maine.

Brennan also appointed many talented people to important positions. One notable person he appointed was George J. Mitchell. Mitchell later became a famous U.S. Senator from Maine. Brennan also appointed Janet T. Mills. She became the first female district attorney in the New England region. Later, she also became Governor of Maine.

Brennan in 2005

In the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1986, Brennan ran for the U.S. House. He won the election for Maine's First Congressional District. He served two terms in the House.

After his time in the U.S. House, Brennan ran for governor again in 1990. He lost to Republican John McKernan. He ran for governor one more time in 1994. He lost to Independent Angus King, but he finished ahead of Susan Collins. In 1996, he ran against Collins again for a U.S. Senate seat. Collins won that election.

Federal Maritime Commission

In 1999, President Bill Clinton nominated Brennan for a new role. He became a commissioner on the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). The FMC is a small government agency. It helps regulate shipping between the U.S. and other countries.

President George W. Bush nominated Brennan for a second term at the FMC in 2004. He continued to serve there until 2013.

Personal Life and Passing

Joseph Brennan and his wife, Connie, had two children. Brennan passed away at his home in Munjoy Hill, Portland, on April 6, 2024. He was 89 years old.

Images for kids

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  Brennan as governor

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  Brennan in 2005