Jack Kemp

Jack French Kemp (July 13, 1935 – May 2, 2009) was an American politician and a professional American football player. He served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1971 to 1989 and was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993 under President George H. W. Bush. Kemp was the Republican nominee for Vice President in the 1996 election.

Early life and education

Kemp was born in Los Angeles, California. He attended Occidental College, where he played college football as a quarterback. After graduating, he was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 1957 NFL Draft.

Professional football career

Kemp played for several teams in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL), including the Buffalo Bills, where he led the team to two AFL championships. He was named the AFL's Most Valuable Player in 1965.

Political career

Kemp entered politics in the late 1960s, running for Congress in 1970. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served for nine terms. Kemp was known for his advocacy of supply-side economics, which emphasized tax cuts and economic growth.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

In 1989, Kemp was appointed as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by President George H. W. Bush. During his tenure, he focused on initiatives to promote public housing and urban development.

1996 Vice Presidential campaign

Kemp was selected as the running mate for Bob Dole in the 1996 presidential election. Although the Dole-Kemp ticket was unsuccessful, Kemp remained an influential figure in the Republican Party.

Personal life

Kemp was married to Joanne Main, and they had four children. His son, Jeff Kemp, also played professional football in the NFL.

Death

Kemp died of cancer on May 2, 2009, in Bethesda, Maryland.

Legacy

Kemp is remembered for his contributions to both professional football and American politics. His advocacy for economic policies and urban development initiatives left a lasting impact.

See also

• List of American football players who became politicians
• History of the Buffalo Bills

External links

• NFL profile
• Congressional biography

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  Jack Kemp official portrait
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  Jack Kemp 1961
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  Jack Kemp Congressional Portrait Collection
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  Jack Kemp with President Reagan
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  Jack Kemp, Joanne, Judith
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  Kemp USS Buffalo
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  1987 Jack Kemp Rally
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  Jack Kemp as HUD secretary
• Dole Kemp Time Magazine cover
  Dole Kemp Time Magazine cover
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  Turner Kemp English Myrick