Jim Weaver (Oregon politician)

James Howard "Jim" Weaver (born August 8, 1927) is a former Democratic U.S. congressman from Oregon.

Early life

Weaver enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of seventeen and served in World War II on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Weaver moved to Oregon from Iowa, in 1947 to attend the University of Oregon.

Prior to entering Congress, Weaver worked for a publishing company. In 1959, he was hired as a staff member for the Oregon Department of Agriculture. In 1960, Weaver was hired by a real estate development company, eventually becoming a developer of apartment and office buildings. He was a delegate to the 1960 and 1964 Democratic National Conventions.

Political career

In 1974, Weaver defeated incumbent Republican congressman John R. Dellenback to become the United States Representative from Oregon's 4th congressional district. Weaver's victory over the moderate Dellenback is attributed at least in part to the anti-Republican sentiment among voters in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Weaver served six terms in the House, where he was known for his opposition to the Vietnam War, pro-environmental views, and opposition to the proliferation of nuclear power plants. In 1980, Weaver was also the first recipient of campaign contributions from the newly established Human Rights Campaign.

He was also well known for conducting the only filibuster in the modern history of the House of Representatives by adding 113 amendments to a Washington Public Power Supply System bill in 1980. After the filibuster, the House passed "The Weaver Rule" to "limit" the use of such tactics.

In 1986, Weaver was selected as the Democratic nominee for United States Senate and was to face incumbent Republican Bob Packwood. However, after receiving the nomination, Weaver was the subject of a House Ethics Committee probe into his campaign finances, and withdrew his candidacy when it became apparent that he would lose the general election. Oregon State Representative Rick Bauman was selected to replace Weaver on the ballot, and lost handily to Packwood. The House Ethics Committee ruled that Weaver had used campaign money for personal investments, in violation of House rules. Eventually it was discovered that the report had included errors. The House Ethics Committee later stated that Weaver had not violated the law. Weaver served out his term and was succeeded by his aide, Peter DeFazio.

Legacy

In 2008, a trail around Oregon's Waldo Lake was named after the former Congressman.

Weaver lives in Eugene, Oregon.