US Senator, US Congressman, US Presidential Official. A member of the Republican Party, he served South Dakota's 2nd District in the US House of Representatives from 1973 until 1981, and served as South Dakota's US Senator (1981 to 1987). The son of Lebanese immigrants, his father was the proprietor of a general store in the ranching community of Kennebec. He attended the University of Nebraska where he distinguished himself playing football and later served with the US Army during World War II. Upon his return home, he held such occupations as farmer, teacher and coach and acted on his interest in politics (he worked as an assistant clerk at the state house), when he ran for and was elected to South Dakota's state senate (1956 to 1968). He went onto serve as South Dakota's lieutenant governor (1969 to 1970), prior to his election to the US Congress in 1972. He defeated George McGovern for his US Senate seat during the November 1980 general elections which saw Ronald Reagan win the presidency in a landslide victory. During his tenure in Washington, Abdnor was known for his friendly demeanor towards his constituents and Capital personnel. However, his support of the 1985 Farm Bill proved unfavorable to most farmers. He was defeated for reelection by Tom Daschle in 1986. Abdnor was appointed by President Reagan to serve as administrator of the Small Business Administrations (1987 to 1989).
US Senator, US Congressman, US Presidential Official. A member of the Republican Party, he served South Dakota's 2nd District in the US House of Representatives from 1973 until 1981, and served as South Dakota's US Senator (1981 to 1987). The son of Lebanese immigrants, his father was the proprietor of a general store in the ranching community of Kennebec. He attended the University of Nebraska where he distinguished himself playing football and later served with the US Army during World War II. Upon his return home, he held such occupations as farmer, teacher and coach and acted on his interest in politics (he worked as an assistant clerk at the state house), when he ran for and was elected to South Dakota's state senate (1956 to 1968). He went onto serve as South Dakota's lieutenant governor (1969 to 1970), prior to his election to the US Congress in 1972. He defeated George McGovern for his US Senate seat during the November 1980 general elections which saw Ronald Reagan win the presidency in a landslide victory. During his tenure in Washington, Abdnor was known for his friendly demeanor towards his constituents and Capital personnel. However, his support of the 1985 Farm Bill proved unfavorable to most farmers. He was defeated for reelection by Tom Daschle in 1986. Abdnor was appointed by President Reagan to serve as administrator of the Small Business Administrations (1987 to 1989).
Bio by: C.S.
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