Matthew Gilbert "Marty" Martínez (February 14, 1929 – October 15, 2011)[1] was an American politician who served as the U.S. representative from California's 30th congressional district from 1982 to 1993 and California's 31st congressional district from 1993 to 2001, both as a member of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Martínez switched parties to become a Republican after being defeated in a 2000 primary.
Marty Martínez | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California | |
| In office July 13, 1982 – January 3, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | George E. Danielson |
| Succeeded by | Hilda Solis |
| Constituency | 30th district (1982–93) 31st district (1993–2001) |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 59th district | |
| In office December 1, 1980 - July 15, 1982 | |
| Preceded by | Jack R. Fenton |
| Succeeded by | Charles Calderon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 14, 1929 Walsenburg, Colorado, U.S. |
| Died | October 15, 2011 (aged 82) Fredericksburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (Before 1974, 2000–2011) Democratic (1974–2000) |
| Children | Diane Martinez (daughter) |
| Education | Los Angeles Trade-Technical College |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Private first class |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Early life
editMartínez's family moved to Los Angeles when he was young, and he attended public schools in Los Angeles. In 1949 he graduated from Roosevelt High School. From 1947 to 1950 he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of private first class. In 1956 he received a certificate of competence from the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.[2]
For the next fifteen years he owned and operated a custom furniture upholstery company and worked as a building contractor.
Political career
editHe began his political career in 1971 when he became a member of the Monterey Park Planning Commission, and served until 1974 when he was elected to the Monterey Park City Council. He served until 1980, including two terms as mayor in 1974 and 1980.
State assembly
editIn 1980, Martínez defeated incumbent Jack R. Fenton in the Democratic primary election in California's 59th State Assembly district. He was elected to the California State Assembly with no major-party opponent.[3]
Congress
editIn 1982 George E. Danielson left the U.S. House of Representatives to take the bench. Martínez won the special election to succeed him, and was reelected nine times by varying margins.
In his first term in Congress he was assigned to the Education and Labor Committee. In the 99th Congress (1985–87) he chaired the Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities. In 1991, he became the Chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee. In 1992, Martínez was named to the Foreign Affairs Committee, and served on the Subcommittee on International Security, International Organizations and Human Rights.
Defeat
editIn 2000, Martínez was defeated in the Democratic primary by liberal State Senator Hilda Solis 62% to 29%. She charged that he was out of touch with his district when he voted to ban partial-birth abortion and opposed gun control. (He was both Roman Catholic and a member of the National Rifle Association of America.)[2] While he had been a reliably Democratic vote on most issues throughout his congressional career, after his primary loss Martínez began to vote overwhelmingly with Republicans. On July 27, 2000, Martínez switched to the Republican Party, arguing that the Democrats had abandoned him. There was no Republican candidate on the ballot in the district for the 2000 election, and Martínez declined to attempt a write-in candidacy, though he remained critical of Solis and promised to stay active in the Republican party.[4] His term in Congress ended on January 3, 2001, at the end of the 106th Congress.
Family
editMartínez was married to Elvira Yorba Martinez, with whom he had five children: Matthew Adrian, Michael Gilbert, Diane, Susan, and Carol Ann. His daughter, Diane Martínez, served in the State Assembly from 1992 to 1998.
Death
editOn October 15, 2011, Martínez died at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia.[5][6][7] He had suffered from congestive heart failure.[8]
Memberships
edit- San Gabriel Valley YMCA board of directors
- Hispanic American Democrats
- National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
- Communications Workers of America
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- American Legion
- Latin Business Association
- Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce
- Navy League (director)
- Rotary International[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Matthew G. 'Marty' Martinez dies at 82; former congressman". 21 October 2011 – via LA Times.
- ^ a b Simon, Richard; Antonio Olivo (2000-02-23). "Two Incumbent Congressmen Facing Tough Challenges". Los Angeles Times. p. B-1. Archived from the original on 2012-10-08. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
- ^ Vassar, Alex; Shane Meyers. "11-04-1980 Election". JoinCalifornia. One Voter Project. Archived from the original on 2007-02-22. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
- ^ Simon, Richard (July 27, 2000). "Martinez Switches to GOP in His Final Term". The Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Matthew G. 'Marty' Martinez dies at 82; former congressman". Los Angeles Times. October 21, 2011. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011.
- ^ "Former area Congressman Matthew 'Marty' Martinez dead at 82". Pasadena Star-News. October 18, 2011. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012.
- ^ Hevesi, Dennis (October 19, 2011). "Matthew G. Martinez, Ex-Democratic Lawmaker, Dies at 82". New York Times. Archived from the original on October 20, 2011.
- ^ Shapiro, T. Rees (October 20, 2011). "Nine-term California congressman Matthew G. Martinez dies at 82". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016.
- ^ "Matthew Gilbert Martinez." Marquis Who's Who TM. Marquis Who's Who, 2008. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2008. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC. (Fee) Document Number: K2013018942