US Congressman. Nicknamed "Obie," he graduated from Niagara University in 1922 and worked as a reporter for Hearst newspapers, including the International News Service, and Albany Knickerbocker Press and Times-Union. He also became a well-known television and radio commentator on New York state politics and current events. From 1935 to 1952 he was a member of the Port of Albany District Commission. In 1952 he was the successful Democratic nominee for the US House seat left vacant when William T. Byrne died. He was reelected seven times and served from April 1, 1952 until December 30, 1966, resigning a few days before his last term ended. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1966. As a member of the Committee on the Interior, O'Brien advocated Alaska and Hawaii statehood, helped create the Fire Island National Seashore, and strongly advocated ending pollution of the Hudson River and protecting it as a scenic waterway. After leaving Congress, O'Brien served as Chairman of the Albany County Planning Board and Adirondack Study Commission. As a result of lobbying by the Hawaii and Alaska Congressional delegations, the federal building in Albany, New York was named for O'Brien.
US Congressman. Nicknamed "Obie," he graduated from Niagara University in 1922 and worked as a reporter for Hearst newspapers, including the International News Service, and Albany Knickerbocker Press and Times-Union. He also became a well-known television and radio commentator on New York state politics and current events. From 1935 to 1952 he was a member of the Port of Albany District Commission. In 1952 he was the successful Democratic nominee for the US House seat left vacant when William T. Byrne died. He was reelected seven times and served from April 1, 1952 until December 30, 1966, resigning a few days before his last term ended. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1966. As a member of the Committee on the Interior, O'Brien advocated Alaska and Hawaii statehood, helped create the Fire Island National Seashore, and strongly advocated ending pollution of the Hudson River and protecting it as a scenic waterway. After leaving Congress, O'Brien served as Chairman of the Albany County Planning Board and Adirondack Study Commission. As a result of lobbying by the Hawaii and Alaska Congressional delegations, the federal building in Albany, New York was named for O'Brien.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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