me_gov_longley
FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JIM LONGLEY
Age: 47 Born: July 7, 1951; Lewiston, Maine Education: University of Maine Law School, J.D. (1980); College of Holy Cross, B.A. (1974) Military: U.S. Marine Corps (1976-78) Family: Divorced; Two children Hometown: Portland, Maine Religion: Roman Catholic Career: Practicing attorney (1997-current, 1980-94); Defense industry analyst (1997-98);U.S. Representative (1995-96) |
• Born James B. Longley, Jr., he is the son of former Maine governor James B. Longley Sr., the first independent governor in Maine and one of few ever elected in the United States. LongleyÂ's father was elected in 1974 over George Mitchell, who later went on to become Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate. LongleyÂ's sister, Susan, is currently a State Senator representing Waldo County
• Longley graduated from Phillips Academy and the College of Holy Cross in 1974.
• After college, he worked on his fatherÂ's successful campaign for governor in 1974. When his father took office, Longley served as a personal aide.
• Longley joined the Marine Corps in 1976. He served three years as an infantry officer, including 16 months overseas in Japan, Korea and the Philippines. He continues to serve in the Reserves and returned to active duty during the Persian Gulf War. Longley holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
• After his tour of duty, he returned to Maine and attended the University of Maine Law School. He received his law degree in 1980.
• Before seeking public office, Longley practiced tax law and sold life insurance.
• Longley made his first run for elected office in 1994, when he sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won a four-way primary to get the GOP nod, and with some help from the GOP tide that swept the country, defeated Democrat Dennis Dutremble with 52% f the vote.
• In 1996, LongleyÂ's district was targeted heavily by labor. In the presidential race, Bill Clinton beat Bob Dole by 20 points in the congressional district. Longley was defeated by Democrat Tom Allen, 55% to 45%.