James J. Gaffney III
James J. Gaffney III | |
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Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 41st Middlesex District | |
In office 1975–1979 | |
Preceded by | George R. Sprague |
Succeeded by | District eliminated |
Personal details | |
Nationality | American |
Political party | Independent (1974–1979) Republican (1992) |
Alma mater | Harvard College Boston University School of Law |
James J. "Jay" Gaffney III is an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979.
Early life
[edit]Gaffney was born on December 20, 1942, in Boston.[1] In 1964 he graduated from Harvard College. Gaffney served two tours of duty in the army infantry during the Vietnam War.[2] In 1966 he suffered a debilitating leg injury when he stepped on a land mine. Gaffney later attended and graduated from the Boston University School of Law.[2]
Political career
[edit]In 1974, Gaffney was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives as an independent. He was reelected in 1976.[1]
In 1978 he ran for the United States House of Representatives seat in Massachusetts's 5th congressional district, which was being vacated by Paul Tsongas. He finished in third place with 19% – behind Democrat James Shannon (52%) and Republican John J. Buckley (28%).
After leaving the House, Gaffney opened a law practice. He works in real estate, personal injury and corporate law.[2]
In 1992 he ran for the Massachusetts Senate as a Republican.[2] He lost to Democrat John D. O'Brien 54% to 46%.
References
[edit]- 1942 births
- Living people
- United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War
- Boston University School of Law alumni
- Harvard College alumni
- Massachusetts Independents
- Massachusetts Republicans
- Massachusetts lawyers
- Members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
- Politicians from Lowell, Massachusetts
- United States Army officers
- Military personnel from Massachusetts