James J. "Jay" Gaffney III (December 20, 1942, Boston) is an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979.
James J. Gaffney III | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 41st Middlesex District | |
| In office 1975–1979 | |
| Preceded by | George R. Sprague |
| Succeeded by | District eliminated |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 20, 1942 Boston |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Independent (1974–1979) Republican (1992) |
| Alma mater | Harvard College Boston University School of Law |
Early life
editGaffney was born on December 20, 1942, in Boston.[1] In 1964 he graduated from Harvard College. Gaffney served two tours of duty in the army infantry during the Vietnam War.[2] In 1966 he suffered a debilitating leg injury when he stepped on a land mine. Gaffney later attended and graduated from the Boston University School of Law.[2]
Political career
editIn 1974, Gaffney was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives as an independent. He was reelected in 1976.[1]
In 1978 he ran for the United States House of Representatives seat in Massachusetts's 5th congressional district, which was being vacated by Paul Tsongas. He finished in third place with 19% – behind Democrat James Shannon (52%) and Republican John J. Buckley (28%).
After leaving the House, Gaffney opened a law practice. He works in real estate, personal injury and corporate law.[2]
In 1992 he ran for the Massachusetts Senate as a Republican.[2] He lost to Democrat John D. O'Brien 54% to 46%.