Bunning, Jim (1931-2017), a former professional baseball player, served in the United States Senate from 1999 to 2011. Bunning, a Republican, represented Kentucky. Before joining the Senate, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In the Senate, Bunning focused on economic issues. As a member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, he played a key role in the passage of the American Competitiveness and Corporate Accountability Act of 2002. The act set punishments for corporate fraud and established an independent board to oversee the accounting industry. Bunning also supported tax reductions for people who adopt or care for foster children.
James Paul Bunning was born on Oct. 23, 1931, in Southgate, Kentucky. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Xavier University in 1953. He worked as an investment broker and agent from 1960 to 1986.
Bunning was a star pitcher in the major leagues, playing from 1955 to 1971. He won 224 games while pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Bunning was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.
Bunning served in the Kentucky Senate from 1979 to 1983. He ran for governor of Kentucky in 1983 but lost. He was elected to the U.S. House in 1986 and reelected in 1992. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bunning worked on legislation to reduce the federal deficit. He also worked to protect and strengthen the Social Security program.
In 1998, Bunning won election to his first term in the U.S. Senate. He took office in 1999. He was reelected in 2004. He retired from the Senate after his second term ended in 2011. Bunning died on May 26, 2017.
