Part of the Reagan Revolution is Gone

I don’t normally pay much attention to sports figures but a 13 year professional football Quarterback has died.  His Name is Jack Kemp.

Jack Kemp is also a remarkable figure in American politics – which explains my interest. 

Jack Kemp served in Congress from New York from 1971 to 1989.  He became an early proponent of supply side tax cuts.  A fiscal conservative, he championed liberal social causes – but usually incentive based programs rather than welfare/giveaways.  He described himself as a “bleeding heart conservative”.  In addition to supply side tax programs, Kemp innovated with Enterprise Zones – a proactive plan for the inner cities.  Kemp was extremely influential during the Reagan administration for his economic plans,  and was partly responsible for Reagan’s successes.

Kemp was also Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Bush 41 from 1989 to 1993.  In 1996, Kemp was the Republican candidate for Vice-President on the ticket with Bob Dole.  Dole-Kemp, something of a political odd couple, lost to Bill Clinton.

Jack Kemp has continued to be active and to address his social and economic concerns.  He died at his Bethesda, MD, home last Saturday at the age of 73 after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife, two children,  17 grandchildren and a grateful nation.