Steve Symms, a former Republican lawmaker from Idaho known for his staunch conservative views, passed away on August 8, 2024, at his residence in Leesburg, Virginia. He was 86 years old. The news was announced by the office of Idaho Governor Brad Little, without providing further details.
Symms' political career spanned two decades in Congress, beginning in 1973 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. He quickly established himself as a conservative loyalist, often targeting federal agencies and advocating for smaller government. His background as an apple farmer influenced his campaign slogans, such as "Take a bite out of big government!"
In 1980, Symms successfully challenged incumbent Democratic Senator Frank Church, riding the conservative wave that accompanied Ronald Reagan's presidential victory. During his Senate tenure, Symms took several controversial stances. He opposed Reagan's nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court in 1981, citing concerns about her position on abortion rights. In 1985, he was one of four Republican senators who voted against a resolution condemning South Africa's apartheid system.
Symms gained notoriety during the 1988 presidential campaign when he falsely claimed that Kitty Dukakis, wife of Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis, had burned an American flag during a Vietnam War protest. This unsubstantiated allegation caused significant controversy and required damage control from the Dukakis campaign. Symms later acknowledged he could not corroborate the accusation.
Despite his reputation for unyielding conservatism, Symms occasionally found common ground with Democrats on issues such as infrastructure projects, rural health care, and agricultural assistance. He developed a particularly good working relationship with Senator George Mitchell of Maine on various Senate committees.
"I was always conservative but never really necessarily a partisan."
Symms' personal life also attracted attention. His first marriage to Frances Stockdale ended in divorce in 1990, amid rumors of infidelity. He chose not to seek a third Senate term in 1992, facing declining poll numbers and family controversies. After leaving the Senate in 1993, Symms established a lobbying firm in Washington.
Born on April 23, 1938, in Nampa, Idaho, Symms grew up on his family's fruit farm. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1960 with a degree in horticulture and served three years in the Marine Corps. Throughout his political career, Symms maintained connections to his agricultural roots, including helping to preserve the Senate's "candy desk" tradition.
Symms' legacy remains complex, reflecting the evolving nature of conservative politics in the United States. While his hardline stances and controversial statements often drew criticism, his occasional bipartisan efforts and dedication to his constituents also earned him respect from colleagues across the political spectrum.