1877 - 1947
(1877–1947) (D-Miss.), Mississippi governor (1916–20, 1928–32); U.S. senator (1935–47). A notorious racist, he once proposed an African colonization scheme for American blacks. In June 1945, he participated in a filibuster against appropriations for the FEPC, and in 1946, he was investigated for taking gifts, services, and political contributions from military contractors and others seeking favors. CIO convention called for his ouster from Senate (1946); NAACP supported his removal. Although he served as senator until his death in August 1947, he did not take the oath of office at the start of the 80th Congress earlier that year.