Abdnor, James, 1923-2012

Ellis James Abdnor (February 13, 1923 – May 16, 2012) was an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a U.S. Representative from South Dakota's 2nd congressional district from 1973 to 1981, as U.S. Senator from South Dakota from 1981 to 1987, and as the 15th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 1987 to 1989.

Born in Kennebec, South Dakota, Abdnor attended public schools there before serving in the United States Army during World War II and graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1945. After graduation, he worked as a farmer-rancher, teacher, and coach. In 1956, Abdnor was elected to the South Dakota Senate, serving there until being elected Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota, serving in that role from 1969 to 1971. He unsuccessfully sought the nomination for the House of Representatives in 1970.

In 1972, Abdnor was elected to the House of Representatives from South Dakota's 2nd congressional district. After four terms, he successfully challenged incumbent Democratic Senator George McGovern for the U.S. Senate. During his term as a senator, Abdnor served on the Appropriations Committee and chaired three subcommittees, including the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee. Abdnor's accomplishments included authorization of the Grassropes irrigation project and the Walworth, Edmunds, Brown (WEB) rural water system, reauthorization of the Belle Fourche irrigation project, and the inclusion of oats (of which South Dakota is a major producer) in the farm program. Congressman Tom Daschle narrowly defeated Abdnor in 1986.

Abdnor died in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 89.