Death of a Partisan: Congressman Tom Manton
Tom Manton died recently.. His death, at 73 from cancer, wasn’t big news across the nation, but for those who follow Congress and New York politics, Manton’s death ends a storied period in New York City politics.
A Marine Corps flight navigator during the Korean War, son of a cop, Manton worked as a policeman while studying law at St. John’s University. Big, sturdy, good-looking and gregarious, Manton quickly became a familiar figure at courthouses and at Democratic affairs across the city. In 1969, he was elected a Member of the New York City Council.
In 1986, following a scandal within the Queens Democratic Party, Manton was elected Queens County Leader.. Remaining a councilman while heading the perennial majority Democratic Party instantly made him a major political player, a circumstance that had no negative effect on his law firm. In 1988, when Rep. Geraldine Ferraro was chosen to become the running mate of Presidential nominee Sen. Walter Mondale, Manton chose Manton to succeed her in the House.
Manton served 14 years in the House, always winning easily before calling it quits. He served on the Commerce Committee, a good place to build a power base. But, Manton was not happy in Congress, and though capable and conscientious, never became a major player there.
Partly, it was bad timing. By the time he served his apprenticeship, Republicans had a majority in the House. Being the majority party is like having mashed potatoes for dinner every night Being in he minority is akin to being called inside just in time to wash the dirty dishes. But, minority or majority, in your first terms in Congress, you are expected to vote the way leadership tells you to vote, to attend the meetings and learn but to keep your mouth shut most of the time. Strong-willed people grouse, but most put up with it because rewards go to team players..
Though he deferred to the dictates of Party Leadership, Manton had other problems with Washington. He disliked leaving home a goodly part of the week, and to be out of the home much of the time when he was in Queens
Manton missed the intensity of practicing law; he missed the last-one-standing-wins-the-discussion that characterizes New York City politics. He absolutely hated the slow pace of Congress, no matter who ran it. Additionally, Tom Manton remained at heart an enthusiastic political partisan who passionately believed Democrats represented the best interests of people. He considered Republicans a tool of business.
His viewpoints were tough, and certainly self-serving. But, Tom Manton really did care for people, and went out of his way to help people in trouble, before, during and after Congress. And, if you were a Republican, or worse – not registered to vote – he’d still do what he could for you. Not everyone liked him, but he was a good man who tried to do things right.. I don’t know if God needed a lawyer, but I’m convinced, he’s got one now.
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