Former US Senator and Reagan-appointed federal judge James Buckley has passed away at the age of 100, according to the Conservative Party of New York State. Buckley gained national attention in 1970 when he became New York’s first third-party senator, serving one term. During his time in office, he advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban abortion with limited exceptions and called for then-President Richard Nixon’s resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal. The Conservative Party described Buckley as “a man for all seasons” and expressed their gratitude for his service. Buckley, who turned 100 in March, lived in Bethesda, Maryland until his death. Born in New York City in 1923, he received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and served in the US Navy during World War II. Buckley’s siblings include William F. Buckley, the late founder of the National Review and a prominent conservative commentator. In 1970, Buckley won a close race to become the first third-party US senator in 30 years. During his tenure, he sponsored conservative legislation, including an abortion bill and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Buckley was also involved in the landmark campaign finance case Buckley v. Valeo, which reached the Supreme Court. After leaving the Senate, Buckley served as the Under Secretary of State for Coordination of Security Assistance Programs and later as a federal judge in a US Appeals Court in Washington, DC. He retired from the appeals court in 2000.
How did James Buckley’s presence in the Senate resonate on the national stage and what were some of the key issues he staunchly advocated for?
Former US Senator and Reagan-appointed federal judge James Buckley has passed away at the age of 100, according to the Conservative Party of New York State. Buckley, an enigmatic figure who made history as New York’s first third-party senator in 1970, served a single term in office. His presence resonated on the national stage as he staunchly advocated for a constitutional amendment to ban abortion with limited exceptions and boldly demanded then-President Richard Nixon’s resignation amidst the turmoil of the Watergate scandal.
In light of Buckley’s passing, the Conservative Party extended its gratitude for his exceptional service, highlighting his remarkable versatility and characterizing him as “a man for all seasons.” Buckley had celebrated his centennial birthday this past March and had been residing in Bethesda, Maryland until his death. Born in New York City in 1923, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and proudly served in the US Navy during World War II. Notably, Buckley’s siblings include the late William F. Buckley, founder of the influential National Review and a renowned conservative commentator.
Buckley’s influential triumph in the 1970 senatorial race marked the first occurrence of a third-party candidate attaining such a position in three decades. Throughout his tenure, he championed a range of conservative legislation, most notably an abortion bill and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Furthermore, Buckley left an indelible mark on American politics as he played a pivotal role in the landmark campaign finance case, Buckley v. Valeo, which ultimately reached the Supreme Court.
After bidding farewell to the Senate, Buckley undertook a series of notable roles, including serving as the Under Secretary of State for Coordination of Security Assistance Programs. Later on, he assumed the esteemed position of a federal judge in a US Appeals Court located in Washington, DC. Buckley’s judicial career concluded with his retirement from the appeals court in 2000, cementing his legacy as both a respected legislator and an esteemed jurist.
As we reflect on James Buckley’s remarkable life and impactful contributions, his passing serves as a solemn reminder of the indomitable spirit and charisma he brought to the realm of American politics.
Rest in peace. Your contributions to our nation will never be forgotten.