Joel Hefley
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| Joel Hefley | |
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| In office January 6, 1987–January 4, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Ken Kramer |
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| Succeeded by | Doug Lamborn |
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| Born | April 18, 1935 Ardmore, Oklahoma |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Dr. Lynn Christian Hefley |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
Joel M. Hefley (born April 18, 1935) is a U.S Republican politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 5th Congressional District of Colorado from 1987 to 2007. His wife, Dr. Lynn Hefley, is currently a member of the Colorado State House of Representatives. They have three daughters.
He was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, earned his B.A. at Oklahoma Baptist University and his M.A. at Oklahoma State University. He worked as a management consultant, executive director of the Colorado Community Planning and Research Council, and a member of the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate before entering the U.S. House of Representatives.
He served as chairman of the House Ethics Committee until 2005. His tenure propelled him from being "among the most obscure members" in the House to gaining national attention, when the Committee formally admonished Tom DeLay three times over actions that allegedly went "beyond the bounds of acceptable conduct." Hefley also handled the expulsion case of James Traficant who went on countless tirades and used derogatory language before the committee.
When the new Congress opened in January 2005, House Republicans pushed through new rules curtailing the ways ethics investigations can be launched. While Hefley voted for the rules, he criticized the procedure, "saying he thought the changes were a mistake since they were done without bipartisan discussion."[1] Within a month, Hefley was ousted as chair, because, he said, that "he was too independent." [2] Doc Hastings of Washington was chosen as his replacement.
On February 16, 2006, Hefley ended speculation as to whether he would seek re-election in 2006, instead retiring after 10 terms in Congress, despite pledging in 1986 that he would not serve longer than three terms (6 years.)
[edit] 2006 Congressional race
In the August GOP primary to succeed him, Hefley backed his long-time aide, former administrative director Jeff Crank, who lost in a contentious six-way race to State Senator Doug Lamborn. Hefley was incensed at the tactics used in the election, particularly a mailed brochure from the Christian Coalition of Colorado associating Crank with "public support for members and efforts of the homosexual agenda." Hefley said that he "suspected, but couldn't prove, collusion between Lamborn's campaign, which is managed by Jon Hotaling, and the Christian Coalition of Colorado, which is run by Hotaling's brother, Mark." [3] Hefley called it "one of the sleaziest, most dishonest campaigns I've seen in a long time,"[3] and, as a result, refused to endorse Lamborn.
[edit] References
- ^ Mike Allen. "GOP Shifts Gears on Ethics Rule: House Democrats Assail Change Limiting Ways an Investigation Can Start", Washington Post, January 5, 2005.
- ^ Mike Allen. "House GOP Leaders Name Loyalist to Replace Ethics Chief", Washington Post, February 3, 2005.
- ^ a b Foster, Dick. "Hefley denies damage: Refusal to support Lamborn won't hurt GOP, he says", Rocky Mountain News, September 8, 2006.
[edit] External links
- Joel Hefley at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- OnTheIssues
- Voting record maintained by the Washington Post
| Preceded by Kenneth B. Kramer |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 5th congressional district 1987–2007 |
Succeeded by Doug Lamborn |
