Richard Joseph Tonry (October 25, 1891 – December 25, 1971) was an American politician and attorney from Louisiana. A member of the Democratic Party, he served one term in the Louisiana House of Representatives and was briefly a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 1st congressional district before being unseated due to a vote fraud scandal.
Early Life and Education
Richard J. Tonry was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 25, 1891. He attended public schools in his hometown before pursuing higher education. Tonry studied law at Loyola University New Orleans and later at Tulane University Law School, from which he graduated in 1914. Following his graduation, he was admitted to the bar and commenced practice as an attorney in New Orleans. During World War I, he served in the United States Army.
Political Career
Tonry began his political career at the state level. He was elected as a Democrat to the Louisiana House of Representatives, serving from 1928 to 1932.
In 1934, Tonry ran for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Louisiana's 1st congressional district. He successfully won the election and took office on January 3, 1935, as part of the 74th United States Congress.
Electoral Fraud and Removal from Office
Tonry's election to Congress in 1934 was marred by significant allegations of electoral fraud, particularly vote-buying. His victory was immediately contested by his opponent, J. O'Connor, and an investigation was launched. The House Committee on Elections found substantial evidence that Tonry's campaign had engaged in widespread fraudulent activities, including paying voters for their ballots.
Following a thorough investigation, the House of Representatives voted on June 19, 1936, to declare Tonry's seat vacant, effectively unseating him. This decision was a rare instance of a sitting member of Congress being removed from office due to electoral misconduct. A special election was subsequently called to fill the vacancy. Paul H. Maloney, who had previously held the seat, won the special election and served the remainder of the term.
Later Life and Death
After being removed from Congress, Richard Tonry faced legal consequences for his actions. He pleaded guilty to federal charges of ballot fraud and was sentenced to serve time in prison. After his release, he resumed his law practice in New Orleans. Tonry largely withdrew from public life following the scandal.
Richard J. Tonry died in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 25, 1971, at the age of 80. He was interred in Metairie Cemetery.
See Also
- United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana, 1934
- List of U.S. representatives removed from office