McSpadden, Clem, 1925-2008

Clem Rogers McSpadden (November 9, 1925 – July 7, 2008) was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as a U.S. Representative from Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District from 1973 to 1975.

Born on a ranch near Bushyhead, Oklahoma, he grew up on a ranch in Oologah, Oklahoma owned by his granduncle, Will Rogers, attending public schools there. McSpadden served in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended the University of Redlands, North Texas Agricultural College, and the University of Texas before he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1948 from Oklahoma State University–Stillwater, then known as Oklahoma A&M. He was first elected to public office in November 1954 when he won a seat in the Oklahoma Senate. He served in that body until 1972, including leading it for two sessions as President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. He was elected to the Ninety-third Congress in November 1972, and served one term, serving on the House Rules Committee. He chose to run for Governor of Oklahoma in 1974 rather than seek reelection for a second congressional term, losing the Democratic primary to David L. Boren.

McSpadden was involved in rodeos throughout North America as a broadcaster, including the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Calgary Stampede, and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. His honors include being inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, and the Legends of ProRodeo Hall of Fame, and being named named a Legend in the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. After being diagnosed with cancer, McSpadden died at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.