George Smathers

Date of Birth: November 14, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 20, 2007

Biography

George Armistead Smathers was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Representative and Senator from Florida. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and raised in Miami, Florida, Smathers earned his law degree from the University of Florida. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II before entering politics. Smathers was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946 and served until 1951. He then moved to the Senate, where he served from 1951 to 1969. Known for his charisma and political acumen, Smathers was a close ally of President John F. Kennedy and played a significant role in the Senate during the tumultuous 1960s. After retiring from politics, he became a successful lawyer and lobbyist.

5 Interesting Facts about George Smathers

1. George Smathers was a close friend and political ally of President John F. Kennedy; they were classmates at Harvard Law School.

2. He was known for his strong anti-communist stance and played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

3. Smathers was an advocate for the Interstate Highway System, which transformed American infrastructure.

4. He was a member of the Moderate Democratic faction and often worked across party lines.

5. Smathers was instrumental in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, although his stance on civil rights was complex and evolved over time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Smathers

1. “The most important thing in politics is sincerity. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”

2. “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”

3. “In politics, the only way to win is to be the best at what you do.”

4. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

5. “A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, George Smathers’ net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, largely due to his successful law practice and investments.

Children

George Smathers had two children: John Smathers and Bruce Smathers. Bruce Smathers followed in his father’s footsteps and became involved in politics, serving as Florida’s Secretary of State from 1975 to 1978.