Sam Steiger

Steiger was born March 10, 1929, in New York City to Lewis and Rebecca (Klein) Steiger.{{cite book | last = Boddie | first = John Bennett | title = Historical Southern Families |volume= 13 | publisher = Clearfield | year = 1969 | pages = 224–25 | isbn = 0-8063-0524-X}} He was educated in local schools before attending college.Johnson pp. 95 His first trip to Arizona occurred at age 14 when he visited a dude ranch. Steiger attended Cornell University before graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science from Colorado A&M.{{cite book|editor-last1=Maisel|editor-first1=L. Sandy|editor-link1=L. Sandy Maisel|editor-last2=Forman|editor-first2=Ira N.|editor-link2=Ira Forman|title=Jews in American Politics|year=2001|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|page=425|isbn=978-0-7425-0181-2}}

Following college, Steiger was commissioned into the United States Army. Serving during the Korean War as a tank platoon leader, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his actions.{{cite news |last1=Reinhart |first1=Mary K. |title=Former Arizona congressman Sam Steiger dies |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/2014/06/02/sam-steiger-arizona-icon/9102861/ |access-date=June 29, 2023 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=June 2, 2014}} After leaving the army, Steiger settled in Prescott, Arizona.

Steiger married his first wife, Cynthia Jean Gardner, in 1954. The couple had three children: twins Lewis and Gail in April 1956, followed by Delia Rebecca in May 1959. His first marriage would end in divorce, as would Steiger's marriage to his second wife, Lynda, in January 1979.{{cite news | last = Duncan | first = Mark | title = 'Kill the Lawyers', unless you need one | pages = 1, 15 | publisher = The Daily Courier | date = December 12, 1999 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=17AKAAAAIBAJ&pg=5870,1819011 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 1959, Steiger entered politics on a wager. While working as a ranch hand in Springerville, he and several friends observed that Yavapai County had never elected a Republican representative. Steiger theorized that this was because the right Republican had not yet run for office. His friends challenged him to run for office and in 1960 Steiger was elected to the Arizona State Senate.{{cite news | last = Rushlo | first = Michelle | title = Sam Steiger still shooting from the hip, now as mayor of Prescott | page = 11A | publisher = Kingman Daily Miner | date = April 28, 2000 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EFALAAAAIBAJ&pg=6757,2014358 | access-date = October 16, 2020 | archive-date = September 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210902024716/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EFALAAAAIBAJ&pg=6757%2C2014358 | url-status = live }} While a freshman senator he wrote a column claiming that other members of the legislature had sold their votes for money and challenged senate leaders over perceived backroom deals.{{cite book | last = Bermane | first = David R. | title = Arizona politics & government : the quest for autonomy, democracy, and development | publisher = University of Nebraska Press | date = 1998 | location = Lincoln, Neb. | page = 104 | isbn = 0-8032-6146-2}}{{cite news | title = Glenn Makes Senate Look Petty: Steiger | page = 2 | publisher = Evening Prescott Courier | date = February 23, 1962 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EskKAAAAIBAJ&pg=6359,2683975 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Steiger also likened himself to a tiger and used a black and orange motif on his campaign signs.{{cite news | last = Barks | first = Cindy | title = 'The Tiger' grabs politics by the tail | pages = 1, 14–15 | publisher = The Daily Courier | date = December 12, 1999 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=17AKAAAAIBAJ&pg=5870,1819011 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

After two terms in the statehouse, in 1964, Steiger ran against incumbent George F. Senner Jr. for Arizona's 3rd district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was endorsed by all the newspapers within the district,{{cite news | title = All Dailies in Dist. 3 for Steiger | page = 2 | publisher = Evening Prescott Courier | date = October 23, 1964 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UNoKAAAAIBAJ&pg=5951,649816 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} with the Arizona Republic saying "Sam is independent, friendly, quick-witted, very out-spoken, crazy over horses, and wears an infectious smile". Despite these endorsements, Steiger lost a close election.{{cite news | last = Timberlake | first = Roger | title = Voting is Nearly Even for Barry | page = 1 | publisher = Evening Prescott Courier | date = November 5, 1964 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V9oKAAAAIBAJ&pg=5146,1285584 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He then served as a correspondent on the Vietnam War before making a second run for the congressional seat in 1966.{{cite news | title = Steiger Uncorks Verbal Poke | page = 1 | publisher = Evening Prescott Courier | date = May 26, 1966 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bP4KAAAAIBAJ&pg=3929,920285 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Benefiting from a mid-decade reapportionment which pushed the district into a heavily Republican section of Maricopa County, near Phoenix, as well as Democratic voters defecting to other party candidates, Steiger defeated Senner on his second attempt.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Gladwin |title=DEMOCRATS FEAR ARIZONA 'PINTOS'; Party Switchers Threaten Re-Election of Governor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/11/01/archives/democrats-fear-arizona-pintos-party-switchers-threaten-reelection.html |access-date=28 May 2025 |work=The New York Times |date=1 November 1966 |page=21}}{{cite news | last = Chanberlain | first = John | title = Labor Bosses Were Election Casualty | page = 12A | publisher = The Evening Independent | date = November 16, 1966 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GNoLAAAAIBAJ&pg=6118,2758322 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

As a congressman, Steiger continued his outspoken ways. During his first term he delivered a speech from the floor of the House claiming it is "an irrefutable fact of life that the elected official is regarded by those who elect him as capable of the most flagrant dishonor," and calling for a "code of ethics" which included "full disclosure of assets, liabilities, honorariums, etc., by members, their spouses, and staff members." Steiger would later claim a number of his colleagues were frequently drunk and that "there are members of Congress you wouldn't hire to wheel a wheelbarrow."{{cite news | title = House Hits Back at Critic Who Chided Colleagues | page = 25 | work = New York Times | date = February 6, 1968 }}

As a result of these comments, Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, previously an Arizona congressman himself, labeled Steiger as "a bomb thrower".Johnson pp. 96

Steiger's voting record in the House was staunchly conservative, earning him, in 1974, a zero rating Americans for Democratic Action and a 100% rating from Americans for Constitutional Action.{{cite news | last = Lichtenstein | first = Grace | title = Arizona Republicans Select Steiger, Slain Reporter's Friend, for Senate | page = 33 | work = New York Times | date = September 9, 1976 }} Additionally, the congressman won a Distinguished Service Award from Americans for Constitutional Action for his "devotion to those fundamental principles of good government which serve to promote individual rights and responsibilities, a sound dollar, a growing economy, and a desire for victory over communist aggression."{{cite news | title = Steiger honored by national group | page = 10 | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = December 16, 1971 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TOIKAAAAIBAJ&pg=3925,2565705 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} His opposition to legislation favored by conservationists earned him membership to the League of Conservation Voters's "Dirty Dozen" list.{{cite news | last = Hill | first = Gladwin | title = Environmental Activists Hail Wide Victories of Their Candidates | page = 31 | work = New York Times | date = November 7, 1974 }} These efforts included Steiger's opposition to controls on strip mining and support of coal companies.

Steiger was very popular at home. He only faced one close reelection contest, in 1974. That year, he only held onto office by 3,073 votes. He only survived due to a 3,291-vote margin in the district's share of Maricopa County, which had as many people as the rest of the district combined.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=31747|title=Our Campaigns – AZ District 3 Race – Nov 05, 1974|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817100140/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=31747|url-status=live}} A number of Republicans were either defeated or faced tight races due to voter anger at the Watergate scandal.

A defining moment for Steiger came in 1975. A herd of about 150 burros had been running loose near Paulden, scaring children at bus stops and causing the Congressman to receive numerous complaints. On August 9, 1975, Steiger went to investigate the complaints and found a group of 14 burros that had been placed in an enclosure along a highway, until their owner could come to claim them. Entering the enclosure with a .30 caliber carbine, the Congressman went to check the animals' brands to determine who owned them. In a report to the local sheriff, Steiger later claimed the burros charged him and he shot the two lead animals in self-defense.{{cite news | title = Steiger claims self defense in killing of burros | page = 1 | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = August 11, 1975 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Mh4LAAAAIBAJ&pg=5651,3093163 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The incident was forwarded to the county attorney's office for consideration before the burros' owner brought a pair of civil suits against Steiger.{{cite news | last = Thompkins | first = Tomy | title = Burro shooting part of lengthy hassle | page = 1 | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = August 17, 1975 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Nx4LAAAAIBAJ&pg=2346,3643252 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news | title = $76,200 suit filed against Sam Steiger | page = 1 | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = August 31, 1975 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fvUKAAAAIBAJ&pg=4045,1543644 | access-date = October 16, 2020 | archive-date = September 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210902024728/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fvUKAAAAIBAJ&pg=4045%2C1543644 | url-status = live }}

In addition to the official investigation of the incident, Steiger suffered other repercussions. Children picketed outside Phoenix's federal building, carrying signs reading "Steiger joins the murderers of innocent animals", and the once political tiger was re-branded "the jackass killer." The Congressman later observed, "I could find a cure for cancer and they'd remember me as the guy who shot the burros."{{cite news | last = Kim | first = Eun-Kyung | title = Burro chronicles kicks politicos | page = 1B | publisher = The Daily Courier | date = November 27, 1995 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LhwOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5707,3626654 | access-date = October 16, 2020 | archive-date = September 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210902024720/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LhwOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5707%2C3626654 | url-status = live }}

In 1976, Steiger decided to run for the U.S. Senate seat opened up by Paul Fannin's retirement. His opponent during the Republican primary was fellow congressman John Bertrand Conlan. The campaign between the two congressmen became ugly with Conlan saying "We are both conservatives, but our style is different. He uses a meat ax and I use a scalpel"{{cite magazine | title = Arizona Shootout | magazine = Time | date = September 20, 1976 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946608,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080608064722/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946608,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = June 8, 2008 }} and asking voters if they desired "a Jew from New York telling Arizona what to do". Steiger countered with "John thinks of himself as a scalpel. I prefer to think of him as a Roto-Rooter," and claiming "Godzilla would make a better Senator than John Conlan."

Steiger defeated Conlan in a tight race, but the effects of the primary left him severely wounded in the general election. Many of Conlan's supporters abandoned their party's candidate and instead supported Democratic Pima County Attorney Dennis DeConcini.{{cite news | last = Lichtenstein | first = Grace | title = Arizona Polls Show a Democrat Leading Steiger in Senate Race | page = 48 | work = New York Times | date = October 28, 1976 }} In the November 2 election, Steiger lost to DeConcini, 43–54%.{{cite news | title = Deconcini Bumps Steiger | pages = 1, 6A | publisher = Kingman Daily Miner | date = November 3, 1976 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Li4PAAAAIBAJ&pg=3080,2753225 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Following his unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate, Steiger attempted to return to the Arizona State Senate in 1978.{{cite news | last = Waters | first = Charlie | title = Steiger challenges Tenney for Senate seat | page = 1 | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = May 23, 1978 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LB0LAAAAIBAJ&pg=7198,4922530 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} This was followed in 1982 with him running for governor as a member of the Libertarian Party. His goal during the campaign was to obtain five percent of the vote and establish ballot access for the Libertarian party.{{cite news | last = Millman | first = Joel | title = Candidates disagree on secretary of state's role | page = 3 | publisher = The Courier | date = October 20, 1982 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=36IKAAAAIBAJ&pg=6472,5943978 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He succeeded with 5.1% of the vote, the fourth-best result for any Libertarian gubernatorial candidate.{{cite web|url=http://www.azsos.gov/election/1982/General/Canvass1982GE.pdf|title=Official Canvas - 1982 General Election|date=November 1982|publisher=Arizona Secretary of State|location=Phoenix, Arizona|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102092804/http://www.azsos.gov/election/1982/General/Canvass1982GE.pdf|archivedate=2013-11-02}} During this time, Steiger saw a steady erosion of his approval. As Prescott Councilman Ken Bennett explained, Steiger was popular in his hometown as a "brash young congressman out in Washington telling people what to do. But they liked him less when he came back here and started telling our people what to do. Sam was the kiss of death in Prescott for a while. His popularity was at an all-time low. But he was back to being a hero with that crosswalk."Johnson pp. 97

In 1986, the Prescott city council decided to eliminate a crosswalk as part of a road resurfacing project. The crosswalk connected the local courthouse with an adjacent line of saloons known as Whiskey Row. Public resentment over the removal soon developed and Steiger decided to take matters into his own hands.{{cite news | last = Holquist | first = Robert C. | title = Citizens Cross Council On Walkway | page = 1 | publisher = The Courier | date = June 4, 1986 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MnUOAAAAIBAJ&pg=3447,1035597 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} According to local legend he used a paint brush to replace the crosswalk at night after visiting the nearby bars. In fact, he performed the action with a parking lot striping machine during the day. As a result of the May 2, 1986, incident, Steiger was arrested and charged with criminal damage and disorderly conduct, The disorderly conduct count was dropped but the criminal damage charge went to trial.{{cite news | last = Holquist | first = Robert C. | title = Jury acquits crosswalk painter | pages = 1, 5 | publisher = The Courier | date = June 20, 1986 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QHUOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4052,4126366 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Steiger defended himself, arguing "it wasn't criminal damage, it was historic preservation." He was acquitted by the jury after they had deliberated for 25 minutes.

In 1987, Governor Evan Mecham appointed Steiger as a special assistant overseeing thirteen state agencies. One of these agencies was the Arizona Board of Pardons and Paroles. While working as special assistant, Steiger ordered pardons board member Ron Johnson to vote against requiring the resignation of fellow board member Patricia Castillo. As part of his instructions, Steiger informed Johnson that his appointment as a justice of the peace would be revoked if he did not comply. Johnson did not vote as instructed and Steiger had Johnson's judicial appointment revoked. Johnson responded by contacting Attorney General Bob Corbin who instructed Johnson to record a follow-up conversation between Johnson and Steiger confirming what had occurred.

As a result, Steiger was charged with extortion.{{cite news | title = Aid to governor charged | page = 3A | publisher = Eugene Register-Guard | date = October 17, 1987 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JWkVAAAAIBAJ&pg=2596,3977964 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Claiming he had been singled out for prosecution due to past differences with Attorney General Corbin, Steiger was found guilty of the charge on April 7, 1988, and sentenced to four years probation, a fine of US$5,500, and 700 hours of community service. Prior to the sentencing over 170 letters had been sent to the court in support of the defendant.{{cite news | title = Bully Steiger Sentenced To 4 Years Probation | page = 3A | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = June 3, 1988 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qqoOAAAAIBAJ&pg=5968,379641&dq=sam+steiger }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On September 21, 1989, the conviction was overturned by the Arizona Court of Appeals. In a 3–0 ruling, the court found the law Steiger was convicted under to be "unconstitutionally vague both because it provided insufficient guidance to those who make demands on others and because it permits arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement."{{cite news | title = Court reverses Steiger conviction | page = 5 | publisher = Mohave Daily Miner | date = September 22, 1989 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1YILAAAAIBAJ&pg=2156,1231572 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 1990, Steiger changed his party affiliation back from Libertarian to Republican and made a second run for governor.{{cite news | last = Hostetler | first = Darrin | title = Steiger to Libertarians: I Switched | publisher = Phoenix New Times | date = July 25, 1990 | url = http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1990-07-25/news/steiger-to-libertarians-i-switched/ | access-date = 2009-06-21 | archive-date = 2010-07-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100719023409/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1990-07-25/news/steiger-to-libertarians-i-switched/ | url-status = live }} The campaign was unsuccessful, with Steiger losing to Fife Symington III in the Republican primary.{{cite news | last = Alexieff | first = Michael | title = Symington to face Goddard for governor | pages = 1, 5 | publisher = The Prescott Courier | date = September 12, 1990 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QIEOAAAAIBAJ&pg=4046,2931547 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The same year he released his book, Kill the Lawyers!, in which he discussed his various legal problems in a humorous manner.Johnson pp. 99

Steiger then became a local talk show host, his show being broadcast on both radio and television. In addition he published a political newsletter, The Burro Chronicles. In 1999, Steiger ran for Mayor of Prescott, Arizona, on a slow-growth platform.{{cite news | last = Barks | first = Cindy | title = Steiger speaks his mind on property rights, other issue | publisher = The Daily Courier | date = August 24, 1999 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qZsKAAAAIBAJ&pg=3190,2837960 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Following a single term in office, he left to return to the private sector.{{cite news | last = Barks | first = Cindy | title = Prescott's first mail-in election seats Mayor Simmons, three on City Council | pages = 1, 12 | publisher = The Daily Courier | date = December 28, 2001 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ra0KAAAAIBAJ&pg=3059,3546936 | access-date = October 16, 2020 | archive-date = September 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210902024728/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ra0KAAAAIBAJ&pg=3059%2C3546936 | url-status = live }} Steiger suffered a stroke on September 20, 2002, that led him to be placed in an assisted living facility.{{cite news | last = Herbert | first = C Murphy | title = Steiger's spirits are high; he's 'doing better' after stroke | pages = 1, 13 | publisher = The Daily Courier | date = September 25, 2002 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0EwLAAAAIBAJ&pg=5259,3972070 | access-date = October 16, 2020 | archive-date = September 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210902024731/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0EwLAAAAIBAJ&pg=5259%2C3972070 | url-status = live }} He died in Prescott on September 26, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/e2d999bb356e4589a8317e25a2029aae/AZ--Obit-Steiger|title=5-term Arizona congressman Sam Steiger dies at age 83|agency=Associated Press|date=September 28, 2012|work=The Republic|location=Columbus, Ohio}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{Portal|Biography}}

• List of Jewish members of the United States Congress
• List of mayors of Prescott, Arizona

{{reflist|2}}

• {{cite book | last=Johnson | first=James W. | others=illustrations by David `Fitz' Fitzsimmons | title=Arizona Politicians: The Noble and the Notorious | year=2002 | publisher=University of Arizona Press | isbn=0-8165-2203-0}}

{{CongBio|S000846}}

• {{cite web|url= http://content.library.arizona.edu/collections/mo_udall_oralhist/transcripts/azu_ms396_tape49side1_ts.pdf |title=Interview with Sam Steiger }} (48 KB) from The Morris K. Udall Oral History Project, University of Arizona Library, Special Collections

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