The First Term of James G. MartinIn his Inaugural, Martin talks at length about the need for stronger environmental laws. He also promises to try and pass NAFTA, which had been rejected by Bumpers, but was a high priority item for conservative Republicans. He echoes a theme of Bumpers' speeches, and says that the US must continue to be a major player on the world stage.
Martin appoints defeated Minnesota senator David Durenberger Secretary of State, Richard Cheney as Secretary of Defense, Clarence Thomas as Attorney General, and Robert Mosbacher as Secretary of the Treasury.
Shortly after taking office, Martin signs the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which requires large employers to allow their employees to take unpaid leave because of pregnancy or serious medical condition.
Three weeks later, Martin deals with the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing. He is widely praised for his handling of the situation.
On January 9, Martin vetoes the Specter-Feinstein Gun Control Act of 1994, which would have imposed a five-day waiting period on handgun purchases. In his veto message, Martin says that he would not veto all such legislation, but he felt this act was too restrictive. In response, on February 20, Congress passes the Warner-Kennedy Gun Control Act of 1994, which Martin signs.
On June 22, 1994, Martin signs the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 which passed Congress without a single Republican vote. It raises taxes on the wealthiest 2% of taxpayers, while cutting taxes on 20 million low-income families and making tax cuts available to 80 percent of small businesses. Additionally, it mandated that the budget be balanced over a number of years and the deficit be reduced. The bill was heavily criticized by House Republicans, especially Newt Gingrich.
The 1994 Congressional ElectionsCombined with the satisfaction over Martin's leadership and the avid campaigning of Gingrich, the GOP retakes the House for the first time in 40 years. In the Senate, they take seats in Arizona, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
House Results:Republicans: 230 (+43)Democrats: 205 (-43)Senate Results:Democrats: 55 (-8)Republicans: 45 (+8)On July 11, Martin signs the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act , which was opposed by Speaker Gingrich, and further angered GOP conservatives.
On December 2, Martin signs the Telecommunications Act of 1995.
On December 9, Martin announces that he will seek reelection. The next day, Vice President Lugar says that he will also run again.
The 1996 Republican National ConventionDuring the primaries, Martin is challenged by Louisiana congressman Bob Livingston. It is widely thought that Livingston is merely acting as a puppet for Gingrich, who is afraid to lose his House seat. After a tough battle that went on through March, Martin is renominated, and he selects Lugar once again. Shortly after the convention, Livingston endorses Martin, and Gingrich does the same.
The 1996 Democratic National ConventionShortly before the primaries, one major candidate emerges. Senator John Breaux of Louisiana, a moderate, swept through the primaries, with token opposition from minor candidates. He selects Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman as his Vice President, making Lieberman the first Jew on any major party Presidential Ticket.
The 1996 Presidential ElectionAlthough it was widely assumed that Martin would cakewalk to victory, Breaux managed to make the race much closer at the end, although Martin is still narrowly reelected.
James Martin/Dick Lugar: 281 EV, 53.38% PVJohn Breaux/Joe Lieberman: 257 EV, 46.62% PVThe 1996 Congressional ElectionsBuilding on his success in '92 and '94, Gingrich is able to pick up several seats in the House. In the Senate, the GOP takes seats in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and North Carolina. The Democrats gain a seat in South Dakota.
House ResultsRepublicans: 238 (+8)Democrats: 197 (-8)Senate ResultsDemocrats: 51 (-4)Republicans: 49 (+4)
