US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served the State of Arkansas' 4th Congressional District (1973 to 1979) and 2nd Congressional District (1991 to 1997) in the United States House of Representatives. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and later attained his Law degree from the University of Texas, prior to serving with the United States Navy during the Korean War. Upon his return home, he commenced practicing Law and served as Attorney General of Arkansas from 1971 until 1973. His tenure in the Congress will perhaps be remembered for his serving as a member of House Judiciary Committee which investigated the Watergate scandal resulting in President Nixon's resignation in 1974. Thornton ran an unsuccessful campaign for United States Senator in 1978. In between Congressional terms, he served as President of Arkansas State University from 1980 until 1984 and President of the University of Arkansas from 1988 until 1990. Additionally, he served as a Justice on the Arkansas State Supreme Court. He died of complications from lung cancer.
US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served the State of Arkansas' 4th Congressional District (1973 to 1979) and 2nd Congressional District (1991 to 1997) in the United States House of Representatives. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and later attained his Law degree from the University of Texas, prior to serving with the United States Navy during the Korean War. Upon his return home, he commenced practicing Law and served as Attorney General of Arkansas from 1971 until 1973. His tenure in the Congress will perhaps be remembered for his serving as a member of House Judiciary Committee which investigated the Watergate scandal resulting in President Nixon's resignation in 1974. Thornton ran an unsuccessful campaign for United States Senator in 1978. In between Congressional terms, he served as President of Arkansas State University from 1980 until 1984 and President of the University of Arkansas from 1988 until 1990. Additionally, he served as a Justice on the Arkansas State Supreme Court. He died of complications from lung cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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