Darwin Schisler

Darwin Gale Schisler was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Illinois's 19th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Schisler's tenure in the House began in 1965 and concluded in 1967. He was born on March 2, 1933, and his career spanned various roles in education and government, including service in the Illinois House of Representatives after his time in Congress.

Early life and career

Darwin Gale Schisler was born on March 2, 1933, in Indian Point Township, Knox County, Illinois. His upbringing on a farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and a connection to rural life. He attended local public schools and graduated from Abingdon High School in 1951. Following his high school education, Schisler enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, where he served for approximately 45 months, including a ten-month deployment in France. His military service provided him with valuable experiences and skills that would later influence his public service career.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Schisler pursued higher education at Western Illinois University. While attending the university, he distinguished himself as a letter-winning football player. He married Carolyn Cochran, and together they had three children. Schisler graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He began his professional career in education as a teacher at London Mills Junior High School, where he quickly advanced to the position of school principal within a year. In 1962, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts in school administration from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, which equipped him with additional skills for leadership in educational settings.

House tenure

Schisler's political career began to take shape in the early 1960s. In 1964, the Democratic Party in Illinois's 19th Congressional District faced a challenge as they lacked a candidate for the primary election. Schisler's friends initiated a write-in campaign, successfully placing him on the ballot for the November election. In a notable upset, he defeated the incumbent Republican representative, Robert T. McLoskey, in a district that was predominantly Republican. This victory marked the beginning of Schisler's term in the U.S. House of Representatives, which commenced in 1965.

Upon taking office, Schisler was assigned to the House Science and Astronautics Committee, where he engaged in discussions and decisions related to scientific research and technological advancement. Throughout his time in Congress, he was a supporter of President Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative agenda, particularly the Great Society initiatives. Schisler voted in favor of significant legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, as well as the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, which expanded healthcare access for the elderly and low-income individuals. He also supported the Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to increase federal funding for education and improve access to higher education.

Schisler was an advocate for home rule for Washington, D.C., and he signed a discharge petition to advance President Johnson's preferred legislation out of committee. However, he opposed a compromise bill proposed by B.F. Sisk that included numerous delays and stipulations regarding home rule. Additionally, he supported efforts to repeal the "right to work" provisions in the Taft-Hartley Act, reflecting his alignment with labor interests.

In 1965, a court-ordered reapportionment of congressional districts altered the demographics of the 19th district, incorporating Whiteside County and bringing in a significant number of Republican voters. This change shifted the political landscape, and in 1966, State Representative Tom Railsback announced his candidacy against Schisler in the general election. Despite his efforts, Schisler was unable to overcome the partisan tilt of the newly configured district and lost the election to Railsback. Contributing to his defeat was the perception that the White House was indifferent to his reelection campaign.

Following his departure from Congress, Schisler was appointed as an assistant to Governor Otto Kerner Jr. He led the newly established Office of Intergovernmental Cooperation, which was tasked with coordinating programs and projects among state, federal, and local governments. He also served as the staff liaison for the General Assembly's Intergovernmental Cooperation Commission. After Governor Kerner's resignation, Schisler continued in this role under Governor Samuel H. Shapiro.

Legislative focus and committees

After his congressional tenure, Schisler transitioned to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he sought to continue his public service. He initially considered running for a rematch against Railsback but ultimately decided to pursue one of the three available seats in the Illinois House of Representatives' 46th district. This district included Fulton and Tazewell counties, as well as the southern portion of Peoria County. Schisler ran alongside incumbent George Saal as the Democratic candidates against Republican incumbents Wilbur H. Lauterbach and J. Norman Shade. Despite hopes for a joint Democratic slate, only Schisler was elected.

During his time in the Illinois House, Schisler was appointed to the Education Committee and the Higher Education Committee, where he continued to focus on issues related to education policy. The decennial reapportionment process in 1971 moved him to the 48th district, which included parts of Fulton County and portions of Peoria and Tazewell counties, along with new territories in Adams, Brown, Cass, Mason, and Schuyler counties.

In 1974, following a shift in the political landscape that saw the Democratic Party gain a majority in the Illinois House, Schisler was appointed chair of the Agriculture Committee. He also participated in various commissions and councils, including the Illinois-Mississippi Canal and Sinnissippi Lake Commission and the Energy Resource and Recreation Council. His legislative focus included agricultural issues, education, and intergovernmental cooperation.

During a period of heightened tensions due to the Iran–United States hostage crisis, Schisler sponsored a nonbinding resolution urging Illinois’ public and private universities to refrain from re-enrolling Iranian students for the upcoming academic year. This action reflected the political climate of the time and the complexities of international relations. Additionally, he voted against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, citing concerns about the motivations of its proponents.

Schisler's tenure in the Illinois House came to an end in 1980 when he was defeated in the general election, finishing fourth among four candidates vying for three available seats in the 48th district. His loss was attributed to the competitive nature of the election and the changing political dynamics in the region.

Darwin Schisler passed away on February 2, 2020, in Farmington, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of public service that spanned multiple levels of government and a commitment to education and community development.