Donald Riegle, Michigan Senator Who Switched Parties, Dies at 88
Summary
Donald Wayne Riegle Jr., a longtime Michigan congressman and senator who switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party, has died at age 88. He served in Congress from 1967 to 1995 and was known for opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and advocating financial reforms during the savings and loan crisis.Key Facts
- Riegle was born in Flint, Michigan, in 1938 and attended the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
- He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966 as a Republican.
- In 1973, Riegle switched to the Democratic Party, partly due to disagreements over the Vietnam War.
- He served as a U.S. Senator from Michigan from 1977 to 1995 and chaired the Senate Banking Committee.
- Riegle opposed NAFTA, fearing it would cause job losses in Michigan.
- He worked on reforms during the savings and loan financial crisis and supported veterans affected by Gulf War syndrome.
- Riegle was involved in the Keating Five ethics investigation but was not found guilty of breaking laws.
- After leaving the Senate, he worked in public affairs, taught business, and spent time with family before his death from cardiac arrest in San Diego.
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