Charles Hawks Jr.

Charles Hawks Jr. was a Republican politician and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district during the 76th Congress from 1939 to 1941. Born on July 7, 1899, in Horicon, Wisconsin, Hawks had a background in business and a notable military service record. His political career was marked by a strong isolationist stance during a tumultuous period leading up to World War II, and he was known for his opposition to many of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs. Despite a brief tenure in Congress, Hawks left a distinct mark on Wisconsin politics before transitioning to a lobbying career in Washington, D.C.

Early life and career

Charles Hawks Jr. was born in Horicon, Wisconsin, into a family with a history of public service. His grandfather, Eli Hawks, served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and was the mayor of Juneau, while his father, Charles Hawks Sr., was a prominent banker and mayor of Horicon. This familial background likely influenced Hawks' later political ambitions.

Hawks attended Horicon High School, where he demonstrated a commitment to service during World War I. In his senior year, he enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after the U.S. declared war on Germany. He underwent training at Naval Station Great Lakes and was subsequently assigned to the battleship USS Rhode Island (BB-17). Over the course of two years, he rose to the rank of yeoman 1st class before being discharged in 1919. During his service, he was involved in a notable incident where he assisted in smuggling a goat, the unofficial mascot of the 32nd Infantry Division, back to the United States. Following his military service, Hawks became an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After returning from the Navy, Hawks pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin, graduating from the business school in 1923. His early career included various roles as a salesman and insurance agent in cities such as Boston, Indianapolis, and Wichita. In 1926, he returned to Horicon and established his own insurance business, which was short-lived. He later worked for Stanley Hanks Insurance in Madison and, in 1933, became an agent for Northwestern Mutual in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Hawks' political involvement began to take shape during the 1920s and 1930s as he became active in the Republican Party. He served as the editor of the state party's Young Republican newsletter and was elected to the Dodge County Board of Supervisors in 1936. That same year, he sought the Republican nomination for Wisconsin Secretary of State, but finished second in the general election, receiving only a fraction of the vote against the incumbent Progressive Party candidate.

Undeterred, Hawks continued his political pursuits and was re-elected to the Dodge County Board without opposition in 1938. He announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to challenge the incumbent Harry Sauthoff. With no other Republican candidates entering the race, Hawks advanced to the general election, where he faced Sauthoff and Democratic nominee Reinhold Gerth. His campaign focused on criticizing the New Deal and its perceived neglect of farmers, arguing that progressive policies were detrimental to business confidence and economic growth.

House tenure

Hawks was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1938, marking the beginning of his single term in Congress. During his time in office, he was a vocal advocate for maintaining U.S. neutrality in the face of growing international tensions, particularly as Germany expanded its influence in Europe. Early in his term, he received notable praise from the German American Bund for his stance against Communism, which aligned with his isolationist views.

Throughout his congressional career, Hawks opposed many of the Roosevelt administration's initiatives, including various New Deal programs. His votes against funding for a post office in his hometown of Horicon drew attention, particularly as it was linked to the fact that the existing post office rented space from a building owned by his father. This decision was indicative of his broader opposition to government spending and intervention.

In 1939, Hawks was appointed as the manager for the presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Styles Bridges, who aimed to connect with young Republicans and promote an anti-New Deal message. Despite his efforts, Hawks faced challenges in the subsequent election cycle. In 1940, he ran against Sauthoff again, who criticized Hawks' previous votes against New Deal programs. The rematch was closely contested, but Hawks ultimately lost by a narrow margin.

After leaving Congress in January 1941, Hawks transitioned to a role as a lobbyist for the Wisconsin Association of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C. He expressed intentions to run for office again, but the political landscape shifted dramatically following the Attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Hawks faced a difficult primary in 1942 against multiple Republican challengers, including former University of Wisconsin football star Edward J. Samp. His earlier anti-war votes became a point of contention, and while he won the primary, he garnered only a small percentage of the vote in the general election.

Legislative focus and committees

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Hawks was primarily focused on issues related to economic policy and government spending. His opposition to the New Deal reflected a broader Republican critique of Roosevelt's policies, which he believed were harmful to business interests and economic recovery. Hawks' isolationist stance was particularly pronounced in the context of foreign policy, where he advocated for total U.S. neutrality amid the escalating conflicts in Europe.

Hawks' legislative record was characterized by a consistent opposition to many of the Roosevelt administration's initiatives, particularly those that involved increased government spending or intervention in the economy. His votes against funding for local projects, such as the post office in Horicon, were seen as emblematic of his broader philosophy regarding the role of government in economic matters.

While specific committee assignments during his time in Congress are not detailed, his focus on economic issues and opposition to New Deal programs suggest that he would have been aligned with committees dealing with finance, commerce, and appropriations. His political activities and positions reflected the sentiments of many Republicans during this period, who were wary of the expanding role of the federal government in economic affairs.

In summary, Charles Hawks Jr.'s political career was marked by a commitment to Republican principles, a strong isolationist stance, and a focus on economic issues. Although his time in Congress was brief, it was set against a backdrop of significant national and international challenges, and his actions and positions contributed to the ongoing debates within the Republican Party during the late 1930s and early 1940s. After his departure from Congress, Hawks continued to engage in political and lobbying efforts, navigating the changing political landscape of the United States during World War II. He passed away on January 6, 1960.