Mezvinsky, Edward M. (Edward Maurice), 1937-

Dates:

Birth 1937-01-17

Gender:

Male

Nationality: Americans

Language: English

Biographical notes:

Edward Maurice Mezvinsky (born January 17, 1937) is an American politician and lawyer. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 1st congressional district from 1973 to 1977 and as chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party from 1981 to 1986.

Born and raised in Ames, Iowa, he graduated from Ames High School there before earning a B.A. degree from the University of Iowa, a M.A. degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and a J.D. degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in 1965. Mezvinsky returned briefly to Iowa to practice law, but quickly began a political career. In 1965, he worked for former Rep. Neal Smith in Washington on lobbyist disclosure and ethics bills. He was elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1968, where he attracted publicity as a consumers' advocate. He lost a 1970 campaign to unseat Republican Congressman Fred Schwengel in Iowa's 1st congressional district by only 765 votes (out of over 120,000 cast). After reapportionment improved his chances, Mezvinsky won a 1972 rematch. During his first term in Congress, he sat on the House Judiciary Committee and voted for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon for his activities in the Watergate scandal. Although Mezvinsky defeated Davenport businessman Jim Leach in 1974 in the immediate aftermath of the impeachment hearings, Leach defeated him two years later, in 1976.

Following his defeat, Mezvinsky moved to suburban Philadelphia. After serving in Congress, Mezvinsky was United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights from 1977 to 1979. Mezvinsky unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate seat held by retiring incumbent Republican Richard Schweiker in 1980, but lost to former Pittsburgh Mayor Pete Flaherty. He became chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, and made a run for state attorney general in 1988. He won the Democratic primary, but lost to Republican Ernie Preate in the general election. He also unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 1990, losing to incumbent Mark Singel.

In March 2001, Mezvinsky was indicted and later pleaded guilty to 31 of 69 felony charges of bank fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Mezvinsky, who had been working as an attorney at the time, was funneling embezzled and fraudulently obtained money to West African con men after falling victim to an online advance-fee scam. Shortly after Mezvinsky's indictment, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but the judge at his trial disallowed a mental illness defense. He entered prison in February 2003, and served his time at Federal Prison Camp, Eglin. Released in April 2008, he remained on federal probation until 2011, and as of 2010 still owed $9.4 million in restitution to his victims.

In 2010 Mezvinsky's son, Marc, married Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Bill and Hillary.