Brock Adams: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>Renamed user ab30921932b021e8039575270bafe0a1
Flag removal for Wikipedia's Manual of Style
 
imported>JJMC89 bot III
 
Line 46: Line 46:
|serviceyears = 1944–1946
|serviceyears = 1944–1946
}}
}}
'''Brockman Adams''' (January 13, 1927 – September 10, 2004) was an American lawyer and politician. A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] from [[Washington (state)|Washington]], Adams served as a [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]], [[United States Senate|Senator]], and [[United States Secretary of Transportation]]. He was forced to retire in January 1993 due to public and widespread [[sexual harassment]], [[sexual assault]] and [[rape]] allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/02/us/brock-adams-quits-senate-race-amid-sex-misconduct-allegations.html|title= Brock Adams Quits Senate Race Amid Sex Misconduct charges|work= The New York Times|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= April 15, 2020}}</ref>
'''Brockman Adams''' (January 13, 1927 – September 10, 2004) was an American lawyer and politician. A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] member from the state of [[Washington (state)|Washington]], Adams served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington for U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1964, a member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] representing Washington's 7th congressional district from 1965 to 1977, the 5th [[United States Secretary of Transportation]] from 1977 to 1979, and a member of the [[United States Senate]]. He was forced to retire in January 1993 due to public and widespread [[sexual harassment]], [[sexual assault]] and [[rape]] allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/02/us/brock-adams-quits-senate-race-amid-sex-misconduct-allegations.html|title= Brock Adams Quits Senate Race Amid Sex Misconduct charges|work= The New York Times|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= April 15, 2020}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Adams was born in [[Atlanta]], Georgia, and attended public schools in [[Portland, Oregon]], and Seattle, graduating in 1944 from [[Broadway High School (Seattle)|Broadway High School]] in Seattle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Adams papers - Archives West |url=https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv30459 |website=archiveswest.orbiscascade.org |publisher=Orbis Cascade Alliance |access-date=31 December 2022}}</ref> He attended the [[University of Washington]] where, in 1948, he was elected president of the student government ([[Associated Students of the University of Washington|ASUW]]) and was the first student to both serve in that post and receive the President's Medal of Excellence as the university's top scholar.<ref name="Brock Archives">{{cite web| title = Brock Adams papers-Special Collections, UW Libraries| publisher = University of Washington Libraries| url = http://www.lib.washington.edu/SpecialColl/findaids/docs/papersrecords/AdamsBrock1096.xml#a1| access-date = July 3, 2009| archive-date = June 11, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611162542/http://www.lib.washington.edu/SpecialColl/findaids/docs/papersrecords/AdamsBrock1096.xml#a1| url-status = dead}}</ref> In 1949, [[Mary Maxwell Gates|Mary Maxwell]] served as secretary to ASUW president Adams.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Melinda French Gates: A Microsoft Mystery -- She Married High- Profile Bill Gates, But Wants Her Life Kept Private|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950604&slug=2124492|access-date=2021-07-26|website=archive.seattletimes.com}}</ref> Later that year, Adams introduced Maxwell to his friend and her future husband, [[Bill Gates Sr.|William Henry Gates II.]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wallace|first=James|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/27431749|title=Hard drive : Bill Gates and the making of the Microsoft empire|date=1993|publisher=HarperBusiness|others=Jim Erickson|isbn=0-88730-629-2|edition=1st HarperBusiness|location=New York|pages=6|oclc=27431749}}</ref>  He graduated in 1949 and was admitted to [[Harvard Law School]], where he earned his [[Juris Doctor|law degree]] in 1952.
Adams was born in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], and attended public schools in [[Portland, Oregon]], and Seattle, graduating in 1944 from [[Broadway High School (Seattle)|Broadway High School]] in Seattle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Adams papers - Archives West |url=https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv30459 |website=archiveswest.orbiscascade.org |publisher=Orbis Cascade Alliance |access-date=31 December 2022}}</ref> He attended the [[University of Washington]] where, in 1948, he was elected president of the student government ([[Associated Students of the University of Washington|ASUW]]) and was the first student to both serve in that post and receive the President's Medal of Excellence as the university's top scholar.<ref name="Brock Archives">{{cite web| title = Brock Adams papers-Special Collections, UW Libraries| publisher = University of Washington Libraries| url = http://www.lib.washington.edu/SpecialColl/findaids/docs/papersrecords/AdamsBrock1096.xml#a1| access-date = July 3, 2009| archive-date = June 11, 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611162542/http://www.lib.washington.edu/SpecialColl/findaids/docs/papersrecords/AdamsBrock1096.xml#a1| url-status = dead}}</ref> In 1949, [[Mary Maxwell Gates|Mary Maxwell]] served as secretary to ASUW president Adams.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Melinda French Gates: A Microsoft Mystery -- She Married High- Profile Bill Gates, But Wants Her Life Kept Private|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19950604&slug=2124492|access-date=2021-07-26|website=archive.seattletimes.com}}</ref> Later that year, Adams introduced Maxwell to his friend and her future husband, [[Bill Gates Sr.|Bill Gates.]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wallace|first=James|title=Hard drive : Bill Gates and the making of the Microsoft empire|date=1993|publisher=HarperBusiness|others=Jim Erickson|isbn=0-88730-629-2|edition=1st HarperBusiness|location=New York|pages=6|oclc=27431749}}</ref>  He graduated in 1949 and was admitted to [[Harvard Law School]], where he earned his [[Juris Doctor]] in 1952.


Adams was also a member of [[Phi Beta Kappa]] society.
Adams was also a member of [[Phi Beta Kappa]] society.


===Naval and legal career===
===Naval and legal career===
Adams served in the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] from 1944 to 1946, and was admitted to the Washington state bar in 1952, opening a private practice in Seattle. He was a member of the [[American Bar Association]].
Adams served in the [[United States Navy]] from 1944 to 1946, and was admitted to the Washington state bar in 1952, opening a private practice in Seattle. He was a member of the [[American Bar Association]].


Adams taught law at the [[American Institute of Banking]] from 1954 to 1960, and served as [[U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington|United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington]] from 1961 to 1964.<ref name="Biography">{{cite web| title = Biographical Directory of the United States Congress| url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=A000031| access-date = July 3, 2009 }}</ref>
Adams taught law at the [[American Bankers Association]] from 1954 to 1960, and served as [[United States District Court for the Western District of Washington|United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington]] from 1961 to 1964.<ref name="Biography">{{cite web| title = Biographical Directory of the United States Congress| url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=A000031| access-date = July 3, 2009 }}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==


===U.S. House of Representatives===
===U.S. House of Representatives===
Adams was elected as a Democrat to the House and served six terms beginning January 3, 1965. He was [[chairman]] of the newly created [[U.S. House Committee on the Budget|Budget Committee]] during the [[94th United States Congress|94th Congress]], and was considered a strong candidate for [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]].
Adams was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives and served six terms beginning January 3, 1965. He was the [[Chair (officer)|chair]] of the newly created [[United States House Committee on the Budget]] during the [[94th United States Congress]], and was considered a strong candidate for [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]].


=== Secretary of Transportation ===
=== Secretary of Transportation ===
On January 22, 1977, Adams resigned to become the fifth [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]] following his appointment by [[President of the United States|President]] [[Jimmy Carter]] and confirmation by the [[United States Senate|Senate]].
On January 22, 1977, Adams resigned to become the fifth [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]] following his appointment by [[President of the United States|President]] [[Jimmy Carter]] and confirmation by the [[United States Senate]].


Adams's willingness to plunge into controversial issues during his time as Transportation Secretary was evident in the contrasting assessments of his tenure and accomplishments during a tumultuous period in transportation. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' in 1979 called him the "biggest disappointment" in the Carter cabinet, while [[Public Citizen]] President [[Joan Claybrook]], who led the [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] under Adams, called him "absolutely one of the best transportation secretaries we've ever had".<ref name="Adams Death">{{cite journal
Adams's willingness to plunge into controversial issues during his time as Transportation Secretary was evident in the contrasting assessments of his tenure and accomplishments during a tumultuous period in transportation. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' in 1979 called him the "biggest disappointment" in the Carter cabinet, while [[Public Citizen]] President [[Joan Claybrook]], who led the [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] under Adams, called him "absolutely one of the best transportation secretaries we've ever had".<ref name="Adams Death">{{cite journal
Line 78: Line 78:


===U.S. Senator===
===U.S. Senator===
On November 4, 1986, Adams was elected to the U.S. Senate, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican [[Slade Gorton]] with 50.66% of the vote.<ref name="ElectionResults">{{cite web| title = Elections & Voting| url=http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/results_report.aspx?e=&c=gorton&c2=&t=&t2=&p=&p2=&y=&c3=| access-date = July 3, 2009 }}</ref> Serving one term, he compiled a liberal record and was strongly supportive of his party's leadership.
Adams was elected to the U.S. Senate in [[1986 United States Senate election in Washington|1986]], narrowly defeating incumbent Republican [[Slade Gorton]] with 50.66% of the vote.<ref name="ElectionResults">{{cite web| title = Elections & Voting| url=http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/results_report.aspx?e=&c=gorton&c2=&t=&t2=&p=&p2=&y=&c3=| access-date = July 3, 2009 }}</ref> Serving one term, he compiled a liberal record and was strongly supportive of his party's leadership.


=== Sexual assault, rape allegations ===
=== Sexual assault, rape allegations ===
Kari Tupper, the daughter of a longtime friend, accused Adams of drugging and assaulting her in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rudin|first1=Ken|title=Congressional Sex Scandals in History|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/congress.htm#adams|access-date=October 9, 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/03/22/the-seduction-of-brock-adams/8f00f4f4-45ef-4594-951b-a382d70213f3/|title=THE SEDUCTION OF BROCK ADAMS|first=Ken|last=Ringle|date=March 22, 1992|access-date=November 2, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>
Kari Tupper, the daughter of a longtime friend, accused Adams of drugging and assaulting her in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rudin|first1=Ken|title=Congressional Sex Scandals in History|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/congress.htm#adams|access-date=October 9, 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/03/22/the-seduction-of-brock-adams/8f00f4f4-45ef-4594-951b-a382d70213f3/|title=THE SEDUCTION OF BROCK ADAMS|first=Ken|last=Ringle|date=March 22, 1992|access-date=November 2, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>


In 1992 eight women made statements to ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' alleging that Adams had committed various acts of sexual misconduct, including [[sexual assault]], [[molestation]] and [[rape]].<ref name="SeattleTimes">{{cite news| title = 8 More Women Accuse Adams--Allegations of Two Decades of Sexual Harassment, Abuse - And a Rape| work=[[The Seattle Times]]| date =March 1, 1992| url =https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920301/1478550/8-more-women-accuse-adams----allegations-of-two-decades-of-sexual-harassment-abuse---and-a-rape| access-date =July 3, 2009|first1=Susan|last1=Gilmore|first2=Eric|last2=Nalder|first3=Eric|last3=Pryne|first4=David|last4=Boardman}}</ref> Multiple women said they were drugged after being served suspicious drinks and either assaulted or raped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-02-mn-2265-story.html|title= Sex Charges Bring End to Brock Adams' Career : Congress: Senator drops reelection bid after publication of allegations by 8 women of improprieties|website= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref>
In 1992 eight women made statements to ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' alleging that Adams had committed various acts of sexual misconduct, including [[sexual assault]], [[sexual abuse]] and [[rape]].<ref name="SeattleTimes">{{cite news| title = 8 More Women Accuse Adams--Allegations of Two Decades of Sexual Harassment, Abuse - And a Rape| work=[[The Seattle Times]]| date =March 1, 1992| url =https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920301/1478550/8-more-women-accuse-adams----allegations-of-two-decades-of-sexual-harassment-abuse---and-a-rape| access-date =July 3, 2009|first1=Susan|last1=Gilmore|first2=Eric|last2=Nalder|first3=Eric|last3=Pryne|first4=David|last4=Boardman}}</ref> Multiple women said they were drugged after being served suspicious drinks and either assaulted or raped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-02-mn-2265-story.html|title= Sex Charges Bring End to Brock Adams' Career : Congress: Senator drops reelection bid after publication of allegations by 8 women of improprieties|website= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref>


In the exposé, an unnamed source said, "Adams had long been known by his staff and associates for aggressively kissing and handling women within his reach."
In the exposé, an unnamed source said, "Adams had long been known by his staff and associates for aggressively kissing and handling women within his reach."
Line 89: Line 89:
A former Democratic Party activist alleged that in the early 1970s, when Adams was serving in the House of Representatives, he invited her to a Seattle bar, where he drugged her with what he called "[[Vitamin C]]", after she recalled suffering from a cold. The woman said Adams followed her home, pushed her onto a couch and raped her.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-02-mn-2265-story.html|title= Sex Charges Bring End to Brock Adams' Career : Congress: Senator drops reelection bid after publication of allegations by 8 women of improprieties|website= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref>
A former Democratic Party activist alleged that in the early 1970s, when Adams was serving in the House of Representatives, he invited her to a Seattle bar, where he drugged her with what he called "[[Vitamin C]]", after she recalled suffering from a cold. The woman said Adams followed her home, pushed her onto a couch and raped her.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-02-mn-2265-story.html|title= Sex Charges Bring End to Brock Adams' Career : Congress: Senator drops reelection bid after publication of allegations by 8 women of improprieties|website= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref>


A young woman in her thirties told ''[[The Washingtonian (magazine)|The Washingtonian]]'' that while she was seated to Adams's right at a formal luncheon shortly after she had taken a new job on [[United States Capitol|Capitol Hill]], he slid his hand under her skirt to the upper part of her thigh, whereupon she tried to move her leg away from him. Failing that, she said she tried to remove his hand, but Adams dug his fingers into her skin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/10/26/Sen-Brock-Adams-D-Wash-already-accused-of-sexually-assaulting/1209593841600/|title= Sen. Brock Adams, D-Wash., already accused of sexually assaulting women|website= [[UPI]]|access-date= April 15, 2020}}</ref>
A young woman in her thirties told ''[[Washingtonian (magazine)|Washingtonian]]'' that while she was seated to Adams's right at a formal luncheon shortly after she had taken a new job on Capitol Hill, he slid his hand under her skirt to the upper part of her thigh, whereupon she tried to move her leg away from him. Failing that, she said she tried to remove his hand, but Adams dug his fingers into her skin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/10/26/Sen-Brock-Adams-D-Wash-already-accused-of-sexually-assaulting/1209593841600/|title= Sen. Brock Adams, D-Wash., already accused of sexually assaulting women|website= [[UPI]]|access-date= April 15, 2020}}</ref>


=== Forced retirement ===
=== Forced retirement ===
[[File:BrockAdamsPortrait.jpg|thumb|Portrait of Brock Adams]]
Adams denied the allegations in a press conference. But already under the spotlight due to previously aired allegations that he drugged and molested a young female aide in 1987, a highly publicized matter in which no charges were brought, Adams was forced to drop out of his reelection campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-02-mn-2265-story.html|title= Sex Charges Bring End to Brock Adams' Career : Congress: Senator drops reelection bid after publication of allegations by 8 women of improprieties|website= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Mark Matassa and David Schaefer | title=Who'll Run for Adams' Seat? -- Scramble on After Senator Withdraws | newspaper=[[Seattle Times]] | date=March 2, 1992}}</ref>
Adams denied the allegations in a press conference. But already under the spotlight due to previously aired allegations that he drugged and molested a young female aide in 1987, a highly publicized matter in which no charges were brought, Adams was forced to drop out of his reelection campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-02-mn-2265-story.html|title= Sex Charges Bring End to Brock Adams' Career : Congress: Senator drops reelection bid after publication of allegations by 8 women of improprieties|website= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 2, 1992|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Mark Matassa and David Schaefer | title=Who'll Run for Adams' Seat? -- Scramble on After Senator Withdraws | newspaper=[[Seattle Times]] | date=March 2, 1992}}</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==
In retirement, Adams lived in [[Stevensville, Maryland|Stevensville]], [[Maryland]]. He died of complications from [[Parkinson's disease]].<ref name="SeattleTimesDeath">{{cite news| title = Former U.S. Sen. Brock Adams dies at 77| work=The Seattle Times| date =September 10, 2004| url =http://old.seattletimes.com/html/regionalpolitics/2002032016_webadams10.html| access-date =July 3, 2009| last= Daly|first=Matthew|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
In retirement, Adams lived in [[Stevensville, Maryland|Stevensville]], [[Maryland]]. He died of complications from [[Parkinson's disease]] there on September 10, 2004 at age 77.<ref name="SeattleTimesDeath">{{cite news| title = Former U.S. Sen. Brock Adams dies at 77| work=The Seattle Times| date =September 10, 2004| url =http://old.seattletimes.com/html/regionalpolitics/2002032016_webadams10.html| access-date =July 3, 2009| last= Daly|first=Matthew|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
In light of the 2017 [[Me Too movement|#MeToo Movement]], some see Adams's legacy as a powerful politician who systematically abused his power over young women as emblematic of the culture of harassment in the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/women-on-capitol-hill-push-for-lasting-change-in-handling-sexual-harassment/|title= Patty Murray leads women's push for lasting change in handling sexual harassment on Capitol Hill|website= [[Seattle Times]]|date= December 7, 2017|access-date= April 15, 2020}}</ref>
In light of the 2017 [[Me Too movement|#MeToo Movement]], some see Adams's legacy as a powerful politician who systematically abused his power over young women as emblematic of the culture of harassment in the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/women-on-capitol-hill-push-for-lasting-change-in-handling-sexual-harassment/|title= Patty Murray leads women's push for lasting change in handling sexual harassment on Capitol Hill|website= [[Seattle Times]]|date= December 7, 2017|access-date= April 15, 2020}}</ref>


In 2020, an extensive [[PBS]] exposé concerning the workplace for women in the 1990s in [[Washington, D.C.]], described the climate of "[[sexual harassment]] and sexual entitlement [that] existed in some offices in the [[United States Senate|Senate]]", driven by some male senators whose behavior was well known on [[Capitol Hill]]. There was a list of senators and congressmen whom young women were told to keep away from, which included Adams, [[John Conyers]], [[Ted Kennedy]], [[Bob Packwood]], [[Mel Reynolds]], [[Gus Savage]], and [[Strom Thurmond]] .<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-74-former-biden-staffers-think-about-tara-reades-allegations|title= What 74 former Biden staffers think about Tara Read's allegations|website= [[PBS Newshour]]|date= May 15, 2020|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref>
In 2020, an extensive [[PBS]] exposé concerning the workplace for women in the 1990s in [[Washington, D.C.]], described the climate of "[[sexual harassment]] and sexual entitlement [that] existed in some offices in the [[United States Senate]]", driven by some male senators whose behavior was well known on [[Capitol Hill]]. There was a list of senators and representatives whom young women were told to keep away from, which included Adams, [[John Conyers]], [[Ted Kennedy]], [[Bob Packwood]], [[Mel Reynolds]], [[Gus Savage]], and [[Strom Thurmond]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-74-former-biden-staffers-think-about-tara-reades-allegations|title= What 74 former Biden staffers think about Tara Read's allegations|website= [[PBS Newshour]]|date= May 15, 2020|access-date= May 15, 2020}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 173: Line 174:
[[Category:Politicians from Atlanta]]
[[Category:Politicians from Atlanta]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Democratic Party United States representatives from Washington (state)]]
[[Category:20th-century Washington (state) politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Washington (state) politicians]]
[[Category:Phi Delta Theta members]]
[[Category:Phi Delta Theta members]]
[[Category:20th-century United States senators]]
[[Category:20th-century United States senators]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the United States House of Representatives]]
[[Category:20th-century United States representatives]]

Latest revision as of 23:15, 26 December 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters". Brockman Adams (January 13, 1927 – September 10, 2004) was an American lawyer and politician. A Democratic Party member from the state of Washington, Adams served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington for U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961 to 1964, a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Washington's 7th congressional district from 1965 to 1977, the 5th United States Secretary of Transportation from 1977 to 1979, and a member of the United States Senate. He was forced to retire in January 1993 due to public and widespread sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape allegations.[1]

Early life and education

Adams was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended public schools in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, graduating in 1944 from Broadway High School in Seattle.[2] He attended the University of Washington where, in 1948, he was elected president of the student government (ASUW) and was the first student to both serve in that post and receive the President's Medal of Excellence as the university's top scholar.[3] In 1949, Mary Maxwell served as secretary to ASUW president Adams.[4] Later that year, Adams introduced Maxwell to his friend and her future husband, Bill Gates.[5] He graduated in 1949 and was admitted to Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1952.

Adams was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa society.

Naval and legal career

Adams served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, and was admitted to the Washington state bar in 1952, opening a private practice in Seattle. He was a member of the American Bar Association.

Adams taught law at the American Bankers Association from 1954 to 1960, and served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington from 1961 to 1964.[6]

Political career

U.S. House of Representatives

Adams was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives and served six terms beginning January 3, 1965. He was the chair of the newly created United States House Committee on the Budget during the 94th United States Congress, and was considered a strong candidate for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Secretary of Transportation

On January 22, 1977, Adams resigned to become the fifth Secretary of Transportation following his appointment by President Jimmy Carter and confirmation by the United States Senate.

Adams's willingness to plunge into controversial issues during his time as Transportation Secretary was evident in the contrasting assessments of his tenure and accomplishments during a tumultuous period in transportation. The Wall Street Journal in 1979 called him the "biggest disappointment" in the Carter cabinet, while Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook, who led the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under Adams, called him "absolutely one of the best transportation secretaries we've ever had".[7]

After resigning his Cabinet post on July 20, 1979, Adams resumed law practice, this time in Washington, D.C., where he was a lobbyist for CSX Corporation and other railroad carriers.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

File:Cabinet meeting - NARA - 175496.jpg
Adams at Cabinet meeting

U.S. Senator

Adams was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Slade Gorton with 50.66% of the vote.[8] Serving one term, he compiled a liberal record and was strongly supportive of his party's leadership.

Sexual assault, rape allegations

Kari Tupper, the daughter of a longtime friend, accused Adams of drugging and assaulting her in 1987.[9][10]

In 1992 eight women made statements to The Seattle Times alleging that Adams had committed various acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual abuse and rape.[11] Multiple women said they were drugged after being served suspicious drinks and either assaulted or raped.[12]

In the exposé, an unnamed source said, "Adams had long been known by his staff and associates for aggressively kissing and handling women within his reach."

A former Democratic Party activist alleged that in the early 1970s, when Adams was serving in the House of Representatives, he invited her to a Seattle bar, where he drugged her with what he called "Vitamin C", after she recalled suffering from a cold. The woman said Adams followed her home, pushed her onto a couch and raped her.[13]

A young woman in her thirties told Washingtonian that while she was seated to Adams's right at a formal luncheon shortly after she had taken a new job on Capitol Hill, he slid his hand under her skirt to the upper part of her thigh, whereupon she tried to move her leg away from him. Failing that, she said she tried to remove his hand, but Adams dug his fingers into her skin.[14]

Forced retirement

File:BrockAdamsPortrait.jpg
Portrait of Brock Adams

Adams denied the allegations in a press conference. But already under the spotlight due to previously aired allegations that he drugged and molested a young female aide in 1987, a highly publicized matter in which no charges were brought, Adams was forced to drop out of his reelection campaign.[15][16]

Death

In retirement, Adams lived in Stevensville, Maryland. He died of complications from Parkinson's disease there on September 10, 2004 at age 77.[17]

Legacy

In light of the 2017 #MeToo Movement, some see Adams's legacy as a powerful politician who systematically abused his power over young women as emblematic of the culture of harassment in the government.[18]

In 2020, an extensive PBS exposé concerning the workplace for women in the 1990s in Washington, D.C., described the climate of "sexual harassment and sexual entitlement [that] existed in some offices in the United States Senate", driven by some male senators whose behavior was well known on Capitol Hill. There was a list of senators and representatives whom young women were told to keep away from, which included Adams, John Conyers, Ted Kennedy, Bob Packwood, Mel Reynolds, Gus Savage, and Strom Thurmond.[19]

See also

Script error: No such module "Portal".

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  8. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Further reading

Archives

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Error
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Washington's 7th congressional district

1965–1977 Template:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Chair of the House Budget Committee
1975–1977 Template:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check United States Secretary of Transportation
1977–1979 Template:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Washington
(Class 3)

1986 Template:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Template:Error
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check U.S. Senator (Class 3) from Washington
1987–1993
Served alongside: Daniel J. Evans, Slade GortonTemplate:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:USSenWA Template:USSecTrans Template:Carter cabinet Template:US House Budget chairs Template:Authority control