American politician
James J. "Jay" Gaffney III (December 20, 1942, Boston) is an American attorney and politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979.
Early life
Gaffney was born on December 20, 1942, in Boston.[1] In 1964 he graduated from Harvard College. Gaffney served two tours of duty in the army infantry during the Vietnam War.[2] In 1966 he suffered a debilitating leg injury when he stepped on a land mine. Gaffney later attended and graduated from the Boston University School of Law.[2]
Political career
In 1974, Gaffney was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives as an independent. He was reelected in 1976.[1]
In 1978 he ran for the United States House of Representatives seat in Massachusetts's 5th congressional district, which was being vacated by Paul Tsongas. He finished in third place with 19% – behind Democrat James Shannon (52%) and Republican John J. Buckley (28%).
After leaving the House, Gaffney opened a law practice. He works in real estate, personal injury and corporate law.[2]
In 1992 he ran for the Massachusetts Senate as a Republican.[2] He lost to Democrat John D. O'Brien 54% to 46%.
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