Introduction:
John P. Schmitz was a prominent American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, California State Assembly, and the California State Senate. However, there are many fascinating facts about his life beyond his political career. In this blog post, we will explore 10 things you didn’t know about John P. Schmitz.
1. Early Life and Education:
John P. Schmitz was born on August 12, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Marquette University for his undergraduate studies and later went to the University of Southern California for his law degree. Schmitz also has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Southern California.
2. Military Service:
Schmitz proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for over 20 years, retiring in 1964 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. His military service earned him a Bronze Star for his actions during the Vietnam War.
3. Family Life:
Schmitz was married twice and had eight children, including Mary Kay Letourneau, a notable teacher convicted of having a sexual relationship with one of her students. Letourneau’s relationship with her student dominated the headlines in the late 1990s.
4. Political Career:
Schmitz was a member of the California State Assembly from 1964 to 1970, the U.S. House of Representatives from 1970 to 1973, and the California State Senate from 1978 to 1980. He was a conservative Republican known for his extreme views on issues such as abortion and civil rights.
5. Controversial Statements:
Schmitz was known for making controversial statements throughout his political career. He once referred to feminists as “feminazis” and stated that he would not hire a woman if she was not attractive. Additionally, he was an advocate of the John Birch Society, a far-right political organization.
6. Presidential Campaign:
In 1972, Schmitz ran for president as the candidate of the American Independent Party. However, he only managed to win one electoral vote from Alabama.
7. Academic Career:
After his political career, Schmitz continued to teach political science and law at various universities throughout the country. He was a distinguished professor of law at the United States Air Force Academy from 1981 until his death in 2001.
8. Publications:
Schmitz was a prolific writer and author of several books, including “The McGovernites and the Shaping of the American Creed,” “The Anatomy of a Constitutional Law Case,” and “Extreme Right Wing Groups.” He also wrote numerous articles for various publications throughout his career.
9. Death:
Schmitz died on January 10, 2001, at the age of 70 due to pancreatic cancer. He was survived by his wife and children.
10. Legacy:
Despite his controversial views and statements, John P. Schmitz remains a significant figure in American politics. His contributions to the conservative movement and his military service are still remembered today.
Conclusion:
John P. Schmitz was a complex and controversial figure who had a significant impact on American politics. His career spanned from military service to academia and politics. While his views and statements were often extreme, his contributions to the conservative movement can’t be ignored. His legacy continues to inspire debates about the role of conservatism in modern politics.
FAQs:
Q. What was John P. Schmitz’s political affiliation?
A. John P. Schmitz was a conservative Republican.
Q. What was John P. Schmitz’s military rank?
A. John P. Schmitz retired from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Q. How many children did John P. Schmitz have?
A. John P. Schmitz had eight children.
Q. What was John P. Schmitz’s cause of death?
A. John P. Schmitz died of pancreatic cancer.
Q. What was John P. Schmitz’s most famous political campaign?
A. John P. Schmitz ran for president in 1972 as the candidate of the American Independent Party, winning one electoral vote.