Jack Kemp

Date of Birth: July 13, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 2, 2009

Biography

Jack French Kemp was an American politician, professional football player, and a Republican who served as the U.S. Representative for Western New York from 1971 to 1989. Born in Los Angeles, California, Kemp was an early advocate for supply-side economics, which influenced the economic policies of Ronald Reagan. Before his political career, Kemp was a professional quarterback in the American Football League (AFL) and later the NFL, playing for the Buffalo Bills and the San Diego Chargers. Kemp’s political career was marked by his time as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993. He was also the Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 1996 election, running alongside Bob Dole. Known for his charismatic speaking style and his advocacy for economic empowerment zones, Kemp left a lasting impact on both the fields of sports and politics.

5 Interesting Facts about Jack Kemp

1. Jack Kemp was an all-star quarterback who led the Buffalo Bills to two AFL championships in 1964 and 1965.

2. He co-founded the Congressional Football League, where members of Congress could play flag football.

3. Kemp was a strong advocate for tax cuts and economic policies aimed at reducing poverty through free-market principles.

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 2009.

5. Kemp was known for his ability to bridge divides within the Republican Party, gaining respect from both the conservative and moderate wings.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jack Kemp

1. “There are no limits to our future if we don’t put limits on our people.”

2. “Democracy without morality is impossible.”

3. “We must look to the future with optimism instead of trying to solve the problems of the past.”

4. “The power of one individual to ignite a revolution of ideas and change is the greatest force on earth.”

5. “Economic growth doesn’t mean much if it leaves out the poor.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Jack Kemp’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Jack Kemp had four children with his wife Joanne Main: two sons, Jeffrey Kemp and Jimmy Kemp, and two daughters, Judith Kemp and Jennifer Kemp. Jimmy Kemp followed in his father’s footsteps in both sports and business, playing professional football and later becoming involved in political and economic consulting.