Sam Steiger

Sam Steiger was born in New York City and earned a Bachelor of Science from Colorado A&M in 1950. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart. Steiger began his political career by being elected to the Arizona State Senate in 1960. He later won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966, where he advocated for ethical standards and opposed certain environmental regulations. After leaving Congress, Steiger pursued various political roles, including an unsuccessful run for governor and a term as Mayor of Prescott, Arizona.

Sam Steiger's political identity is marked by a blend of libertarian economic principles and an unconventional approach to ethics in government. He staunchly opposed environmental regulations, aligning with coal companies while advocating for a sound dollar and minimal government intervention in the economy. Steiger's rhetoric on ethics in Congress was unusually blunt, calling for transparency and criticizing colleagues harshly. His actions, such as painting a crosswalk in self-defense and addressing legal issues with humor, reveal a deeply principled yet idiosyncratic approach to governance.