PHOENIX – Former Arizona Senator Dennis DeConcini reflected on his nearly two decades in Congress in a recent interview with FOX 10’s John Hook. The conversation, which aired on , touched upon the unique experience of serving as a member of the Senate for an extended period.
DeConcini, a Democrat, represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate from , to . He is the son of Evo Anton DeConcini, a former judge on the Arizona State Superior Court and later on the Arizona State Supreme Court. According to his biography on C-SPAN.org, DeConcini received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Arizona, graduating in 1959 and 1963 respectively.
The interview comes as Arizona continues to grapple with its political identity. Following DeConcini’s departure from the Senate in 1995, Arizona did not elect another Democrat to the chamber for 30 years, until Kyrsten Sinema won the seat in 2018, reclaiming the position once held by DeConcini. This lengthy gap highlights a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
During his time in the Senate, DeConcini served as Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee from , to , succeeding David Boren and being followed by Arlen Specter. C-SPAN’s records indicate that DeConcini has 451 videos in their library, with 1991 being the year with the most appearances, totaling 71 videos. His appearances frequently involved discussions on ethics, savings and loans, and high-profile cases like the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings.
Beyond his legislative work, DeConcini also served in the U.S. Army, attending The JAG School at the University of Virginia and serving in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His military service included active duty from 1959 to 1960 and reserve duty from 1960 to 1967, according to information from Wikipedia.
The interview with John Hook offered a glimpse into the life and career of a politician who played a significant role in Arizona’s history. While the specific details of the conversation weren’t released, the timing suggests a broader interest in reflecting on Arizona’s political evolution and the experiences of those who have shaped it. The FOX 10 report also included coverage of an Amber Alert cancellation and accusations of racial taunts at a high school game, placing DeConcini’s interview within the context of current events in the state.
DeConcini’s post-Senate life has included philanthropic endeavors, as noted in his Wikipedia entry, but details of his current activities were not provided in the available sources. His legacy continues to be examined as Arizona navigates its changing political dynamics, and his insights offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of a long career in public service.
