Michael Forbes

Michael P. Forbes is a former U.S. Representative from New York, who served in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. Initially elected as a Republican, he later switched to the Democratic Party in 1999. Throughout his congressional tenure, Forbes was a member of the House Appropriations Committee, where he played a significant role in shaping fiscal policy. After leaving Congress, he transitioned into a career focused on public relations and later dedicated himself to service within the Roman Catholic Church, where he was ordained as a permanent deacon in 2013.

Early life and career

Michael Patrick Forbes was born on July 16, 1952, in Riverhead, New York, to Kenneth and Jane (née Morrissey) Forbes. He comes from a family with a background in the performing arts; his grandparents included Carrie Bowman, a Broadway actress, and T. Harold Forbes, an actor and Vaudeville performer who later became a newspaper publisher in New Rochelle and Long Island. Forbes pursued higher education at several institutions, earning degrees from the State University of New York at Albany, Saint Paul University, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Mary. His academic focus included American history, political science, bioethics, and canon law. Additionally, he received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Long Island University.

Forbes began his political career as an assistant to New York State Assembly Speaker Perry B. Duryea Jr. He later served as a senior aide to U.S. Senator Al D'Amato and U.S. Representative Connie Mack III. His involvement in national politics deepened when he joined George H.W. Bush's presidential campaign in 1979, working as a campaign operative in Upstate New York. He continued to support Bush's political endeavors, including a successful statewide campaign in Maine in 1987. Following Bush's election, Forbes was appointed to a senior position in the Small Business Administration, where he served for four years until the Clinton administration took office in 1993.

In addition to his political work, Forbes has been actively involved in community service. He was a founding board member and volunteer for Camp Agawam, a boys' summer camp in Raymond, Maine, where he and his family have a long-standing tradition. Forbes first attended Camp Agawam in 1965, and his family connection to the camp spans generations.

House tenure

Forbes entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1995 after winning a competitive election against incumbent George Hochbrueckner. He ran on three ballot lines: Republican, Conservative, and Right to Life, positioning himself as a fiscal conservative. His victory was notable, as he defeated an incumbent congressman by a margin of six percentage points. Upon taking office, Forbes was appointed to the influential House Appropriations Committee, a significant achievement for a freshman representative, largely due to his close ties with the newly elected Republican House Speaker, Newt Gingrich.

During his time in Congress, Forbes made headlines for his willingness to break from party lines. In December 1996, he became the first Republican to publicly announce that he would not support Gingrich for re-election as Speaker of the House, opting instead to vote for a more moderate Republican, Jim Leach. Despite supporting several initiatives proposed by President Bill Clinton, particularly those aimed at expanding health insurance coverage, Forbes also voted for Clinton's impeachment in 1998, reflecting the complexities of his political stance.

In July 1999, Forbes made a significant shift in his political alignment by switching from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. He cited a disconnect between national Republicans and the needs of average Americans as a motivating factor for his decision. While he received support from prominent Democratic figures, including President Clinton and House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt, his transition was met with resistance from some factions within the New York Democratic Party, particularly due to his anti-abortion stance.

Forbes faced a challenging primary election in 2000, where he was contested by Regina Seltzer, a librarian recruited by local Democratic activists. The primary campaign was contentious, with significant financial backing from both the national and state Republican parties for Seltzer. Ultimately, Seltzer won the primary by a narrow margin, leading to Forbes's departure from Congress after his term ended.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Forbes was primarily focused on fiscal policy and appropriations, serving on the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for allocating federal funds to various government programs and agencies. His role on this committee allowed him to influence budgetary decisions and advocate for funding that aligned with his constituents' needs.

Forbes's legislative record reflects a blend of bipartisan cooperation and party loyalty. His support for certain initiatives under the Clinton administration demonstrated a willingness to work across party lines, particularly in areas related to health care and social services. However, his decision to vote for Clinton's impeachment highlighted the complexities of his political identity during a time of significant partisan conflict.

After leaving Congress, Forbes continued to engage in public service through various roles, including his work in public relations and his commitment to the Roman Catholic Church. His experience in politics and his academic background in bioethics and canon law have informed his post-congressional endeavors, particularly in his role as a deacon and canon lawyer.

In summary, Michael P. Forbes's career spans significant political and religious dimensions, marked by his service in the U.S. House of Representatives and his subsequent dedication to community and church service. His journey reflects the evolving nature of American politics and the personal convictions that guide public service.