Glenn Davis: A Legacy of Law and Congressional Service
Glenn Davis was a prominent figure in Wisconsin politics, blending a disciplined legal background with a tenacious career in the United States House of Representatives. From his early days as a Navy veteran to his influential role on key congressional committees, Davis established himself as a steadfast Republican with a complex political trajectory.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy on December 12, 1945, Davis returned to the practice of law. His transition into public service began with local involvement, where he served as a local court commissioner and became an active participant in Republican Party functions. His standing within the party was solidified early on, as he was elected as a delegate to every Republican National Convention from 1952 to 1972.
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The First Congressional Tenure
Davis first entered the national political stage in 1947. He ran in a special election to fill the vacancy left by Robert Kirkland Henry, a Republican congressman who passed away shortly after winning his second term. Davis successfully won the seat and served five terms representing Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district.
In 1956, Davis sought to elevate his political standing by challenging incumbent Republican Senator Alexander Wiley in a primary election. This bid was unsuccessful, and Davis chose not to run for reelection to his House seat. He continued his pursuit of the Senate in 1957, attempting to secure the GOP nomination in a special primary to replace the late Senator Joseph McCarthy. However, the nomination went to former Governor Walter J. Kohler Jr., who subsequently lost the general election to Democrat William Proxmire. Following these defeats, Davis returned to his private law practice.
Return to Congress and Later Years
After an eight-year hiatus, Davis made a successful political comeback in 1964. He won the open ninth congressional district, a seat created due to redistricting. He served four additional terms, during which his legislative record—initially conservative—began to shift toward a more moderate stance in the early 1970s.
Davis's tenure ended in 1974 when he lost the primary election to State Senator Bob Kasten. Davis attributed this loss to the political fallout from President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon, which occurred the Sunday before the primary. Davis had maintained a close personal and professional relationship with both Ford and Nixon, and he was present in the Oval Office on the night of Nixon's resignation.
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Legislative Influence and Committee Work
Throughout his time in the House, Davis was a significant presence on the Appropriations Committee, an exclusive body responsible for directing government spending. During his fourth term, he achieved the status of a "cardinal," chairing the Subcommittee on Civil Functions and Military Construction.
His leadership roles evolved with the party's fortunes. After the Republicans lost the House in the 84th Congress, he became the ranking Republican on the Subcommittee on Public Works. Upon his return to Congress, he served as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on District of Columbia before returning to the Public Works Subcommittee late in the 93rd Congress.
Despite his seniority, Davis was known for his independence and occasional rigidity. Former House Minority Leader Gerald Ford noted in a biography that Davis could be "almost impossible" when party leaders sought compromise. Outside of policy, Davis was a close friend and golf partner of Ford and a star shortstop for the "Washington Senators," a recreational baseball team composed of congressmen.
Key Facts
- Waukesha County Legacy: Davis remains the only native of Waukesha County to have held congressional office.
- Civil Rights Support: He voted in favor of both the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1968.
- Committee Leadership: He held ranking positions on subcommittees for Public Works and the District of Columbia.
- Party Loyalty: He served as a Republican National Convention delegate for two decades (1952–1972).
| Period | District/Office | Key Role/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–1956 | Wisconsin's 2nd District | Served five terms; Appropriations Committee member |
| 1956–1957 | Senate Bids | Unsuccessful challenges to Alexander Wiley and for Joseph McCarthy's seat |
| 1964–1974 | Wisconsin's 9th District | Served four terms; Ranking member on various subcommittees |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Glenn Davis lose his seat in 1974?
Davis lost the 1974 primary to Bob Kasten. He believed his defeat was influenced by the unpopularity of President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon, given Davis's close association with both men.
What was Davis's stance on civil rights?
Despite his generally conservative record, Davis voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Voting Rights Act.
What was the "Washington Senators" team?
The Washington Senators was a recreational baseball team made up entirely of members of Congress, on which Glenn Davis played as the star shortstop.
Which committees did Glenn Davis serve on?
Davis was a prominent member of the Appropriations Committee, where he chaired the Subcommittee on Civil Functions and Military Construction and served as the ranking Republican on the subcommittees for Public Works and the District of Columbia.
What is Glenn Davis's unique distinction in Waukesha County?
He is the only person born in Waukesha County to have ever held a seat in the United States Congress.