Former Footballer, Congressman and Presidential Candidate Jack Kemp Dead

Former star footballer, Congressman and one time Presidential candidate Jack Kemp died Saturday at the age of 73.

Kemp was diagnosed with cancer in January, and it is reported at the time that the cancer had spread to several organs. The official cause of death has not been determined, but is believed to be related to his cancer.

After playing quarterback with the Buffalo Bills, Kemp later went on to serve 18 years in Congress. A self described “bleeding heart” conservative, Kemp was a strong advocate of tax cuts, free trade, economic growth and a return to the gold standard. Kemp unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination in 1998, and later ran as Bob Dole’s running mate at the 1996 election. He also served as secretary of housing and urban development under President George H.W. Bush.

After finishing with the 1st Bush administration in 1992, Kemp kept busy with speaking engagements and a syndicated column, where he primarily pushed tax reform.