Spark Matsunaga

Report Candidate Issue

Spark Matsunaga portrait

Spark Matsunaga

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign U.S.A. Senate
Date of Birth October 8, 1916
Date of Death April 15, 1990 (Age: 73)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

Social Media

Ask our AI

  • Ask me questions about Spark Matsunaga.

Our AI can make mistakes, check important info
Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

Spark Matsunaga earned a bachelor's degree in education and later graduated from Harvard Law School. He served in the military, rising to the rank of captain, and was wounded in combat. Matsunaga transitioned into public service, holding positions in local politics before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and subsequently the Senate. Throughout his career, he demonstrated expertise in legislative processes, notably advocating for and securing the passage of significant bills, including the establishment of the U.S. Institute for Peace and the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion legislation. Matsunaga also played a pivotal role in several Supreme Court confirmations and opposed others, reflecting a discerning approach to judicial nominations.

Political Ideas

Spark Matsunaga's political identity is marked by a blend of progressive advocacy and strategic pragmatism. He championed renewable energy initiatives like Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), aligning environmental concerns with economic development. Matsunaga's judicial nominations reveal a nuanced approach, supporting moderate to liberal justices while opposing more conservative figures. His opposition to John Tower's nomination highlights a principled stance against personal misconduct in high office. Matsunaga's legacy is further underscored by his pivotal role in securing redress for Japanese-American detainees, showcasing a commitment to civil rights and historical justice.

Campaigns
1976: U.S.A. Senate
ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator from Hawaii

162,305 votes (53.73%)

Win
1974: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives 1st District

59.30% of vote

Win
1972: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives 1st District

54.70% of vote

Win
1970: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives 1st District

72.90% of vote

Win
1968: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives At-large District

37.40% of vote

Win
1966: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives At-large District

34.10% of vote

Win
1964: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives At-large District

35.70% of vote

Win
1962: U.S.A. House of Representatives
ELECTED

Election History

Hawaii House of Representatives At-large District

33.90% of vote

Win