Bill Paxon
| Bill Paxon | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1999 |
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| 31st congressional district 1989–1993 | |
| 27th congressional district 1993–1999 | |
| Preceded by | Jack Kemp |
| Succeeded by | Thomas M. Reynolds |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 147th district |
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| In office January 1, 1983 – December 31, 1988 |
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| Preceded by | Richard L. Kennedy |
| Succeeded by | Thomas M. Reynolds |
| Personal details | |
| Born | L. William Paxon April 29, 1954 Akron, New York |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Molinari |
| Children | two |
| Residence | Alexandria, Virginia |
| Alma mater | Canisius College |
L. William "Bill" Paxon (born April 29, 1954) is a lobbyist and former member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.
Contents
Early life
Paxon was born in Akron, near Buffalo, New York. At the age of 15, Paxon volunteered for the first congressional campaign of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp. Kemp, decades later, was the Republican Vice Presidential nominee in 1996. Paxon graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute high school in 1972, and then from Canisius College. He was elected to the Erie County Legislature in November 1977 at the age of 23, making him the youngest member ever when elected. In addition, he holds honorary doctorates from Daemen College, Roberts Wesleyan College and Canisius College. For many years, he lived in Western New York State, including Gowanda, New York.
Political career
Paxon was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 1988, sitting in the 185th, 186th and 187th New York State Legislatures.
He was elected to the 101st, 102nd, 103rd, 104th and 105th United States Congresses, holding office from January 3, 1989, to January 3, 1999. Paxon chaired the Republican House Leadership committee during the 105th Congress. In 1992, Paxon was elected to chair the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Leadership challenge
In the summer of 1997 several House Republicans, who saw Newt Gingrich's public image as a liability, attempted to replace him as Speaker. The challenge began July 9 with a meeting between Republican conference chairman John Boehner of Ohio and Republican leadership chairman Paxon. According to their plan, House Majority Leader Dick Armey, House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, Boehner and Paxon were to present Gingrich with an ultimatum: resign, or be voted out. However, Armey balked at the proposal to make Paxon the new Speaker, and told his chief of staff to warn Gingrich about the coup.[1][2]
On July 11, Gingrich met with senior Republican leadership to assess the situation. He explained that under no circumstance would he step down. If he was voted out, there would be a new election for Speaker, which would allow for the possibility that Democrats—along with dissenting Republicans—would vote in Dick Gephardt as Speaker. On July 16, Paxon offered to resign his post, feeling that he had not handled the situation correctly, as the only member of the leadership who had been appointed to his position—by Gingrich—instead of elected.[3]
Post-congressional career
After leaving Congress, Paxon became an advisor to GOP congressional members.[4][5]
Following his 21-year public service career, Paxon joined the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where, since January 1999, he has advised a wide range of public and private sector clients on policy issues. He has consistently been rated one of Washington’s top lobbyists.
Paxon was hired by Boeing to lobby members of Congress.[6]
Personal life
While in Congress, the conservative Paxon worked closely with moderate then Rep. Susan Molinari R-Staten Island, who is now a lobbyist. They married on July 3, 1994 and live in Arlington, Virginia. They have two daughters, Susan Ruby and Katherine Marie.
References
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- ↑ Kurtz, Howard. "Moving to the Right". The Washington Post. April 19, 2006.
- ↑ "The press breaks out: once used only by activists, outing is growing popular with mainstream reporters". The Advocate. October 13, 1998.
- ↑ Carney, Timothy. "Who were Boeing's lobbyists?". Washington Examiner. February 24, 2011.
External links
- Bill Paxon at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Appearances on C-SPAN
| New York Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | New York State Assembly 147th District 1983–1988 |
Succeeded by Thomas M. Reynolds |
| United States House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 31st congressional district 1989–1993 |
Succeeded by Amo Houghton |
| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 27th congressional district 1993–1999 |
Succeeded by Thomas M. Reynolds |
- 1954 births
- Living people
- Members of the New York State Assembly
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from New York
- Spouses of members of the United States House of Representatives
- People from Akron, New York
- Canisius College alumni
- New York Republicans
- Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives
