Michael Cherry

Michael John Cherry (born November 9th, 1928) is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Montclair, a seat he has held since 1983. Cherry has been serving as Majority Leader since 1983.

Early life and education
Cherry was born in Syracuse in 1928 and is a 1946 graduate of Bishop Ludden High School.

Katko attended Syracuse University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1950. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1954. While attending college he met Clara Hobbs, who he went on to marry.

Legal Career
Cherry entered a private practice firm in New York City. There he worked as a trial attorney. He spent 17 years working with the firm and was named partner in 1965. In 1971, Cherry received a position in the Department of Justice, serving as an assistant United States Attorney. After three years in the position he moved back to Syracuse to become a local attorney offering legal counsel and legal advice for those who have trouble affording lawyers. Throughout his legal career he fathered three kids with his wife Clara.

State Legislature
Michael Cherry was elected to the Montclair State Legislature in 1979, to represent the 19th district. In his time as a State Legislator he worked across the aisle to cosponsor legislation that helped better fund local police departments, the public attorney's office and other public agencies as well as bringing effective reform to the departments. Cherry served two terms in the State Legislature before he retired to become a United States Senator.

1982
See also: 1982 United States Senate election in Montclair

Michael Cherry announced his intent to run for Senate in 1981. Cherry faced off against Reform candidate Rosémary Lynnswagger and Loony candidate Betsy Reed. Cherry trailed in many polls after Lynnswagger was endorsed by President Jimmy Carter, however on election night Cherry was declared the victor having won by 10 percentage points.

1988
See also: 1988 United States Senate election in Montclair

In 1988, Cherry announced his intent to run for re-election. He ran un-opposed in his bid for a second term.

Tenure
Upon being elected to the United States Senate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Peters asked Michael Cherry to succeed him as he intended to become President Pro Tempore. Cherry reluctantly agreed.

Cherry has a number of legislative achievements, including the Fairness for Workers Act of 1985 which raised the federal minimum wage, the CHERRY Act, which provided much reform and was seen as pro-worker legislation and the TOMATO Act which reformed United States trade and the Codify Roe Act which codified the Supreme Court ruling, Roe v. Wade into law. He's received much praise for his legislative achievements from the left.

He has also repeatedly collaborated with President Oliver Nichelini to pass the president's agenda.

He announced his resignation shortly after the death of his child during World War III. He cited the need to be with family.

Uniting America Caucus
In the 101st Congress, Cherry was the founding member of the Uniting America Caucus, the caucus that every member of Congress joined, to symbolize a united America. Cherry said that this caucus would advocate bipartisanship, and give a voice to all members of Congress.

Committee Assignments

 * Committee on Finance (Chair)
 * Committee on Ethics
 * Committee on National Security, Foreign Affairs and Veterans Affairs

Abortion
Cherry sponsored the Codify Roe Act which codified the Supreme Court ruling, Roe v. Wade, which protected the access to abortion nationwide.

Budget
Cherry has voted in favor of many bipartisan, balanced budgets. Cherry has also worked with other Congressional leaders before to amend the budget returning funding to social security. Cherry notable voted in favor of the Balanced Budget Amendment.

Health Insurance
In the 101st Congress, Cherry introduced the PEACH Act which heavily increased funding for healthcare and promoted affordable healthcare for all.

Gay Rights
Cherry voted in favor of the Harvey Milk Act which legalized and the Armed Forces Anti-Discrimination Act which protected the rights of homosexual individuals.

Post Congressional Career
Following his time in Congress, Cherry volunteered for various community projects, while staying politically involved in election campaigns. Cherry's wife died in 1999 after a terrible car crash.