Mary Rose Oakar

Mary Rose Oakar (b. March 5, 1940) is an American Democratic politician and former member of the United States House of Representatives.

Related Topics:
March 5 - 1940 - American - Democratic - Politician - United States House of Representatives

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Oakar, who graduated with a B.A. from Ursuline College in 1962 and an M.A. from John Carroll University in 1966, taught at Lourdes Academy, a Catholic high school for women, directed plays, taught at Cuyahoga Community College from 1968-1975 and served on the City Council of Cleveland, Ohio from 1973-1976 before winning election to the House from the 20th District of Ohio in Cleveland's West Side and the surrounding suburbs. She took office in 1977, succeeding James V. Stanton.

Related Topics:
Ursuline College - 1962 - John Carroll University - 1966 - Cuyahoga Community College - 1968 - 1975 - Cleveland, Ohio - 1973 - 1976 - 1977

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Oakar, one of only a handful of Arab-American members of the House, became regarded as an increasingly powerful member of the House. She was a high ranking member of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service and the House Administration Committee. Oakar's high placement on these committees allowed her to bring home to Cleveland, Ohio large sums of money for urban renewal. Despite her Arab heritage, Oakar forged strong relationships with Jewish groups in Cleveland, Ohio.

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In the late 1980s, Oakar was elected the Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus. Notwithstanding her achievements, her career was increasingly surrounded by scandal over time. In 1991, it became clear that she had bounced numerous checks at the House Bank. Though nearly half the members of Congress had bounced at least one check, she had bounced over 200 checks, more than all but a few members. This was due to the fact that the House Bank was not a financial institution in the legal sense and it permitted its members to do this without penalty.

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In 1992, the 20th District was eliminated due to redistricting and Oakar ran in the 10th District, which overlapped much of her old district, but had been gerrymandered to include more Republicans. Oakar withstood a challenge from Tim Hagan in the Democratic primary - Hagan had been endorsed by Cleveland Mayor Mike White - but lost to Martin Hoke in the general election.

Related Topics:
Gerrymandered - Republicans - Tim Hagan - Mike White - Martin Hoke

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Oakar was charged in 1993 with making false financial disclosures in a case related to the check-bouncing scandal. The case dragged on for years, and she finally pled guilty to violating campaign finance laws, a misdemeanor. She did, however, win a 1999 settlement against The Plain Dealer for libel.

Related Topics:
1993 - 1999 - The Plain Dealer

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Though often mentioned as a possible candidate for Mayor of Cleveland - in no small part due to her rivalry with White - Oakar was deterred by her continuing legal difficulties. She did serve a single term in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2000-2002.

Related Topics:
Ohio House of Representatives - 2000 - 2002

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