Burton K. Wheeler

Burton K. Wheeler portrait

Burton K. Wheeler

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign U.S.A. Senate
Date of Birth February 27, 1882
Date of Death Jan. 6, 1975 (Age: 92)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Data
Personal Background

Burton K. Wheeler graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and began his career in public service as a Montana state legislator. He later served as U.S. Attorney for Montana, resigning over prosecution issues. Wheeler was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he played a pivotal role in exposing the Teapot Dome scandal. He held various positions and introduced legislation aimed at fair competition and civil liberties, such as limiting AM radio station power and opposing the Sedition Act. Wheeler retired to private practice and later served as counsel in notable hearings.

Political Ideas

Burton K. Wheeler’s political identity is marked by a blend of staunch civil libertarianism and non-interventionist foreign policy, creating an intriguing ideological tension. He fiercely defended civil liberties, opposing the Sedition Act and criticizing the internment of Japanese Americans, while simultaneously supporting restrictive immigration policies. His non-interventionist stance kept him opposed to U.S. involvement in World War II until Pearl Harbor, despite his critical view of interventionist elements in the motion picture industry. Wheeler’s approach to the judiciary reveals a consistent fight against perceived executive overreach, as seen in his opposition to the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill and his role in exposing the Teapot Dome scandal.

Campaigns
1940: U.S.A. Senate
ELECTED

Election History

United States Senator from Montana

176,753 votes (73.43%)

Win
1934: U.S.A. Senate
ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator from Montana

142,823 votes (70.14%)

Win
1928: U.S.A. Senate
ELECTED

Election History

United States Senator from Montana

103,655 votes (53.20%)

Win
1924: U.S.A. Vice President

Election History

U.S.A. Vice President

4,831,706 votes (16.60%)

Loss

Winner: Charles G. Dawes

1922: U.S.A. Senate
ELECTED

Election History

United States Senator from Montana

88,205 votes (55.56%)

Win
1920: Montana State Governor

Election History

Montana gubernatorial election, 1920

74,875 votes (40.26%)

Loss

Winner: Joseph M. Dixon

Democratic Party primary results

35,228 votes (61.33%)

Win
1910: Montana State House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Member of the Montana House of Representatives

Win