Jack Kemp

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Jack Kemp.jpg Kemp in 1995

Jack French Kemp (July 13, 1935 – May 2, 2009) was an American politician and professional American football player. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993 under President George H. W. Bush. Kemp was also a U.S. Representative from New York's 31st congressional district from 1971 to 1989. Before entering politics, he was a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL).

Early life and education

Kemp was born in Los Angeles, California, to Frances and Paul Kemp. He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education. Kemp was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Professional football career

Kemp's professional football career began when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1957. He later played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and the San Diego Chargers before joining the Buffalo Bills in the AFL. Kemp was a seven-time AFL All-Star and led the Bills to two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965. He was named the AFL's Most Valuable Player in 1965.

Political career

U.S. House of Representatives

Kemp was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1970, representing New York's 31st congressional district. He served nine terms in the House, where he was known for his advocacy of supply-side economics and his role in the passage of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

In 1989, President George H. W. Bush appointed Kemp as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. During his tenure, Kemp focused on promoting public housing reforms and urban development initiatives.

Vice Presidential candidacy

In 1996, Kemp was the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States, running alongside Bob Dole. The Dole-Kemp ticket was defeated by the incumbent President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.

Personal life

Kemp married Joanne Main in 1958, and they had four children: Jeff, Jennifer, Judith, and Jimmy. His son Jeff Kemp also played professional football in the NFL.

Death

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

Related pages

• United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• George H. W. Bush
• Buffalo Bills
• Supply-side economics
• Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981
• Bob Dole