Political Career
After leaving the military, Smith became active in local politics, serving first as Ward Chair for James A. Byrne between 1965 and 1970. He became Byrne's Administrative Assistant during that time. He then served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1971 until 1981, and eventually became Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.
He won election in 1981 as a Democrat to the 97th Congress through a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative Raymond Lederer due to the ABSCAM sting. Smith lost the Democratic primary in the special election, but then ran as a Republican, with the blessing of the GOP, in the general election and won. He promised during his campaign that he would caucus with the Democrats if elected.
Smith also served as the 31st Ward Leader for more than three decades.
After leaving the U.S. House of Representatives in 1983, Smith went on to become Democratic City Chairman in Philadelphia between 1983 and 1986.
Read more about this topic: Joseph F. Smith (Pennsylvania Politician)
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