Illinois. Governor (1977-1991 : Thompson)

James Robert Thompson was born on Chicago's West Side on May 8, 1936. He obtained his elementary education in public schools, but followed his high school studies at North Park Academy, a private shcool on the northwest side of Chicago. He attended college at the University of Illinois campus at Navy Pier and Washington University in St. Louis, and received his law degree from Northwestern University. Thompson was admitted to the bar two weeks early by special arrangement so that he could argue--and lose, by a 5-4 decision--the Escobedo case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1969 he was appointed chief of Attorney General William J. Scott's criminal division, but soon after received the appointment of U.S. attorney for the northern Illinois district. It was while he held this office that he successfully prosecuted former Governor Otto Kerner and many other political figures, some Republican, but most members of Mayor Richard J. Daley's Democratic organization. By 1975 Thompson was the best-known Republican in Illinois, but he shrewdly avoided vying for office with Daley. The logical alternative was a run for the governorship.

Because he practically started at the top, Thompson knew little about the mechanics and concerns of state government. During the campaign his opponent, Michael J. Howlett, pointed out his lack of experience. Thompson countered with references to Howlett's relationship to Mayor Daley. With the help of independents and some Democrats, Thompson garnered nearly two-thirds of the vote.

Thompson served four terms as Governor, setting an Illinois record. He was adept at compromise, unlike his predecessor, Dan Walker. After taking office for his third and fourth terms he was able to gain a portion of the tax increases he wanted with the help of Democratic Senate leader Philip Rock.

Thompson married Jayne Anne Carr after he reached the age of forty. Their daughter, Samantha Jayne, was born while he was Governor, the first time in 72 years for a child to be born to a governor in office. Thompson returned to private practice in Chicago after completing his fourth term.

James Robert Thompson was born on Chicago's West Side on May 8, 1936. He obtained his elementary education in public schools, but followed his high school studies at North Park Academy, a private shcool on the northwest side of Chicago. He attended college at the University of Illinois campus at Navy Pier and Washington University in St. Louis, and received his law degree from Northwestern University. Thompson was admitted to the bar two weeks early by special arrangement so that he could argue--and lose, by a 5-4 decision--the Escobedo case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He was given a position on the staff of the Cook County State's Attorney.

In 1969 he was appointed chief of Attorney General William J. Scott's criminal division, but soon after received the appointment of U.S. attorney for the northern Illinois district. It was while he held this office that he successfully prosecuted former Governor Otto Kerner and many other political figures, some Republican, but most members of Mayor Richard J. Daley's Democratic organization. By 1975 Thompson was the best-known Republican in Illinois, but he shrewdly avoided vying for office with Daley. The logical alternative was a run for the governorship.

Because he practically started at the top, Thompson knew little about the mechanics and concerns of state government. During the campaign his opponent, Michael J. Howlett, pointed out his lack of experience. Thompson countered with references to Howlett's relationship to Mayor Daley. With the help of independents and some Democrats, Thompson garnered nearly two-thirds of the vote.

Thompson served four terms as Governor, setting an Illinois record. (The first term was a shortened two-year term.) Thompson was adept at compromise, unlike his predecessor, Dan Walker. After taking office for his third and fourth terms he was able to gain a portion of the tax increases he wanted with the help of Democratic Senate leader Philip Rock.

Thompson married Jayne Anne Carr after he reached the age of forty. Their daughter, Samantha Jayne, was born while he was Governor, the first time in 72 years for a child to be born to a governor in office. Thompson returned to private practice in Chicago after completing his fourth term.