Jim McClure (politician)

James Albertus "Jim" McClure (December 27, 1924 – February 26, 2011) was an American politician and lawyer from the state of Idaho. A Republican, he served as a U.S. Representative (1967–1973) and a U.S. Senator (1973–1991) for Idaho.

Early Life and Career:

McClure was born in Payette, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1950. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Prior to his Congressional career, McClure practiced law and served in the Idaho State Senate from 1961 to 1966, where he rose to become the Senate President Pro Tempore.

Congressional Career:

McClure was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966 and served three terms. In 1972, he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, succeeding Len Jordan. During his eighteen years in the Senate, McClure focused on energy policy, public lands, and natural resources.

Key Legislative Achievements and Positions:

• Energy Policy: McClure was a strong advocate for nuclear energy and played a significant role in shaping national energy policy. He was a key figure in the development and passage of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.

• Public Lands: As a senator from a Western state, McClure was deeply involved in issues related to public lands management. He advocated for multiple uses of public lands, including grazing, mining, and timber harvesting.

• Conservative Stance: He was generally considered a conservative Republican, with strong positions on issues such as gun control and abortion.

• Senate Leadership: McClure served in various leadership positions within the Senate Republican caucus.

Post-Senate Career:

After retiring from the Senate in 1991, McClure joined the law firm of McClure, Gerard & Neuenschwander in Washington, D.C., where he continued to work on energy and natural resource issues.

Death:

Jim McClure died in Boise, Idaho, on February 26, 2011, at the age of 86. He is remembered as a powerful voice for Idaho and the Western states in the U.S. Senate.