Byron Giles Rogers (August 1, 1900 – December 31, 1983) was an American lawyer, politician, and World War I veteran from Colorado. From 1951 to 1971, he served ten consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Early life
Rogers was the son of Peter and Minnie May Rogers.[1] Born in Greenville, Texas, he moved with his parents to Oklahoma in April 1902. He attended the public schools of Checotah, Oklahoma.
Rogers was elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-second and to the ten succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1951 – January 3, 1971). In 1970, due to his support of the Vietnam War, he was challenged in the primary by attorney Craig Barnes. Barnes, a tall, well-groomed, progressive 42-year old attorney, stood in marked contrast to 70-year old Rogers. Barnes ran an aggressive campaign, attacking Rogers on many issues, including the war, and actively recruited new, young voters. In the primary, Barnes would defeat Rogers by a mere 30 votes (27,218 to 27,188). Rogers alleged foul that Barnes' staff had registered University of Denver students who were non-residents from other states.
Had Barnes won, Rogers planned to challenge the general election in the House, however, instead many of Rogers' supporters, especially in Northwest Denver, bolted to the Republican candidate, Denver CountyDistrict AttorneyMike McKevitt, who would defeat Barnes by more than 10,000 votes.[5]
He voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.[6]
Death and legacy
Rogers was a resident of Denver, Colorado until his death there December 31, 1983. He was interred in Mount Lindo Cemetery near Tiny Town, Colorado.