James Michael Curley

US representative and mayor, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He left high school, continuing his education in the public library, and became a powerful orator, campaigning against Democratic political bosses. He served in the US House of Representatives as a Democrat (1911–14), then left to run for Mayor of Boston, defeating ‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald. As mayor (1914–18, 1922–6, 1930–4), he funded massive public works projects, and as Governor of Massachusetts championed social welfare legislation while bribery charges against him were investigated. Convicted in 1937, he received contributions from Bostonians to pay his fine. Indicted for influence peddling while back in the US House of Representatives (1943–5), he left to become Mayor of Boston again (1945–9), serving five months in jail midterm, until pardoned by President Truman. His political career finished, he wrote I'd Do It Again (1957), and inspired Edwin O'Connor's novel, The Last Hurrah (1956).

James Michael Curley (November 20, 1874-November 12, 1958) was an American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives, as the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, and as Governor of Massachusetts.

He served in various municipal offices and one term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1902-1903). Curley and an associate, Thomas Curley (no relation) took the civil service exams for postmen for two men in their district to help them get the jobs with the federal government. He served three terms as Mayor of Boston (1914-1918, 1922-1926 and 1930-1934), served as Governor of Massachusetts (1935-1937), was returned to the U.S. House of Representatives (1943-1947), this time in the 11th district, and then served one more term as Mayor of Boston from 1945-1949. The city manager, John Hynes, ran the city during his incarceration, and intentionally held many large items in limbo until Curley got released from prison so the mayor could handle them himself. Upon release Curley told the manager he was grateful for what he had done, but then told the media that he had accomplished more in his first day back as mayor than the manager had over the previous several months. A failed mayoral bid in 1951 marked the end of his serious political career, although he continued to support other candidates and remain active within the Democratic Party, and even ran for mayor one last time in 1955.

Mayor Curley was convicted of mail fraud in 1947, but was pardoned by President Harry Truman after serving just five months of his prison term.

Curley had an unusually tragic personal life. His namesake, James Jr., who was groomed as Curley's political heir, died in his early adulthood. Another son who had a drinking problem died while Curley ran for mayor in 1945. Both were in the same room of Curley's house talking on the same phone when they had their two strokes. Two other sons outlived Curley. Curley was the inspiration for the song Rascal King on the album Let's Face It by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.