Helms, Jesse Alexander

Helms, Jesse Alexander, 1921–, U.S. senator from North Carolina (1973–2003), b. Monroe, N.C. He served in the navy, chiefly as a recruiter, during World War II. A radio broadcasting executive, Helms gained prominence in the 1960s as a staunchly conservative Raleigh, N.C., radio commentator. Elected (1972) to the U.S. Senate as a Republican from North Carolina, he became known for his outspoken, often unyielding support of right-wing causes in the Senate. He championed a strong military establishment and prayer in the public schools while opposing gun control, abortion, and government support for the arts. Helms chaired the Senate agriculture committee (1981–87) and foreign relations committee (1995–2001).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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