Bob Wise
Bob Wise | |
|---|---|
| 33rd Governor of West Virginia | |
| In office 2001–2005 | |
| Preceded by | Cecil H. Underwood |
| Succeeded by | Joe Manchin |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 3rd congressional district | |
| In office 1983–1993 | |
| Preceded by | Mick Staton |
| Succeeded by | Nick Rahall |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 2nd congressional district | |
| In office 1993–2001 | |
| Preceded by | Harley O. Staggers, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Shelley Moore Capito |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 6, 1948 Washington, D.C. Youngstown, OH |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sandy Wise |
| Alma mater | Tulane University |
Robert Ellsworth "Bob" Wise, Jr. (born January 6, 1948) is an American politician. A Democrat, Wise served as the Governor of West Virginia from January 2001 to January 2005.
Biography
Early life
Wise was born in Washington, D.C.. He received a B.A. from Duke University in 1970 and a law degree from Tulane University Law School in 1975.[1] Wise's political career began in 1980, when he defeated an incumbent senator for election to the state Senate of West Virginia as a Democrat from the state capital, Charleston.
Congressional career
In 1981, Wise started a career in the West Virginia Senate before being elected in 1982 to the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 3rd congressional district.[1] He unseated incumbent Republican Mick Staton in a close race, but was reelected eight times without serious opposition. His district was renumbered the 2nd after West Virginia's declining population cost it a congressional seat after the 1990 census. Wise served as an at-large whip, regional whip, and parliamentarian for the Democratic Party. He also served as ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In December 1998, Representative Bob Wise announced that he was considering forming an exploratory committee to raise money for a campaign for governor. [1]
In 2000, Wise ran for governor against incumbent Republican Cecil H. Underwood, winning 51 percent to 47 percent.
Governor of West Virginia
Wise's tenure as Governor of West Virginia, during an overall economic downturn following the bursting of the dot-com bubble and the economic fallout from the September 11, 2001 attacks saw the greatest loss in employment in state history (including the Great Depression) and a tightened fiscal environment[citation needed]. During this period, Wise responded to the economic challenges of the state by attempting to attract businesses through an extensive tax and infrastructure assistance program.
Wise is credited with creating the PROMISE scholarship, which allows many West Virginia students to attend any public, state university free of charge. The program was inspired by the HOPE scholarship program in Georgia. PROMISE is funded through revenue collected from the legalization of video slot machines[citation needed].
During his term he chaired the National Governors Association Committee on Natural Resources and the Southern States Energy Board.
On May 12, 2003,[2] Wise acknowledged having had an extramarital affair with state Development Office employee Angela Mascia-Frye.[3]. On that same day, Mascia-Frye's husband, Phillip Frye, stated that he filed for divorce earlier on April 7, citing the relationship with Wise.[4][5]
Post-political Career
On May 23, Secretary of State Joe Manchin, also a Democrat, stated that he would run for office of Governor instead of opting for another term as Secretary of State.[2] He also stated that he would oppose Wise in the primary election.[2]
In August, Wise announced that he would not seek reelection in 2004, becoming the first governor to not seek a second term since the West Virginia state constitution was amended in 1970 to allow consecutive terms.[6]
Following his term, he returned to Washington, where he now serves as the President of the Alliance for Excellent Education, a nonprofit organization devoted to secondary education policy.
Wise and his wife, Sandy, have two children, Robert (born in 1987), who attends the University of Pennsylvania, and Alexandra (born in 1989), who is in high school.
References
- ^ a b c Fischer, Karin and Stacey Ruckle (December 22, 1998). "Wise turns his attention toward governor's job - Congressman to form a panel to explore his options". Charleston Daily Mail. p. 1A. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c "Wise far from a sure thing among Democrats, Leaders consider other candidates in aftermath of affair". Charleston Daily Mail. May 29, 2003. p. 6C. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ McElhinny, Brad (May 24, 2003). "Some forgiving of Wise, Many of those questioned think well of governor". Charleston Daily Mail. p. 1A. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Hohmann, George (May 21, 2003). "Woman's state job detailed, Mascia-Frye hired at lowest level in group 2 years ago". Charleston Daily Mail. p. 1A. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Wrenn, Deanna (May 21, 2003). "Mascia-Frye accompanied Wise on plane, Both attended development - meeting in Detroit". Charleston Daily Mail. p. 2A. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "National Briefing". The New York Times. 2003, August 13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Text "Mid-Atlantic: West Virginia: Governor Will Not Seek Second Term" ignored (help)
External links
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Inaugural Address of Robert E. Wise, Jr.
- About Bob Wise
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