Steiger, Sam, 1929-2012

Samuel Steiger (March 10, 1929 – September 26, 2012) was an American rancher, journalist, and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona's 3rd congressional district from 1967 to 1977.

Born in New York City, he attended grade and high schools there before attending Cornell University and earning a B.S. degree from Colorado A&M University (now Colorado State University). Following college, Steiger was commissioned into the United States Army. Serving during the Korean War as a tank platoon leader, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his actions. After leaving the army, Steiger settled in Prescott, Arizona. Challenged to run for office by friends, he was elected to the Arizona State Senate in 1960, serving two terms there. In 1964, he challenged incumbent George F. Senner, Jr. for Arizona's 3rd district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, narrowly losing. He then served as a correspondent on the Vietnam War before making a second, successful, run for the congressional seat in 1966.

Steiger's voting record in the House was staunchly conservative, earning him, in 1974, a zero rating Americans for Democratic Action and a 100% rating from Americans for Constitutional Action. Additionally, the congressman won a Distinguished Service Award from Americans for Constitutional Action for his "devotion to those fundamental principles of good government which serve to promote individual rights and responsibilities, a sound dollar, a growing economy, and a desire for victory over communist aggression." His opposition to legislation favored by conservationists earned him membership to the League of Conservation Voters's "Dirty Dozen" list. These efforts included Steiger's opposition to controls on strip mining and support of coal companies. In 1976, Steiger decided to run for the U.S. Senate seat opened up by Paul Fannin's retirement; though narrowly winning the Republican primary, Steiger lost in the general election to Democrat Dennis DeConcini. A 1978 bid to return to the State Senate and a 1982 bid for Governor of Arizona- the latter as a Libertarian candidate- were similarly unsuccessful.

From 1987 to 1988, Steiger served as a special assistant to Governor Evan Mecham overseeing thirteen state agencies. In 1990, he returned to the Republican Party, making a second, unsuccessful, run for Governor of Arizona. Steiger then became a local talk show host, his show being broadcast on both radio and television. In addition he published a political newsletter, The Burro Chronicles. In 1999, Steiger successfully ran for Mayor of Prescott, Arizona on a slow-growth platform, leaving office after a single term. Following a 2002 stroke, he was placed in an assisted living facility. He died in Prescott, Arizona and was cremated.