Neil J. Linehan

Neil Joseph Linehan (September 23, 1895 – August 23, 1967) was an American electrical contractor and politician who served one term as a U.S. representative from Illinois from 1949 to 1951.

Early life and military service Linehan was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 23, 1895, the son of Cornelius J. Linehan and Nancy Ann (McNulty) Linehan. After the war, he was active as an electrical contractor and became president of Linehan Electric Company. He later served as a former national aide to the commander in chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Tenure During his short tenure in Congress, Rep. Linehan argued strongly in favor of appropriating $5 million to widen the Cal-Sag Channel. The House rejected a bill co-sponsored by Linehan that would have appropriated federal funds for the project, which Congress had authorized in 1946 but never funded.

He also supported the passage of a bill that would restore funding to Decatur and Chicago Veterans Administration hospital units.

1950 and 1952 defeat The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's executive secretary described Linehan's district in a 1949 report as "leaning Republicanwards." A spokesperson from the National Republican Congressional Committee argued that Linehan's district only flipped because of congressional apportionment shifts that gave more seats to Chicago and President Truman's successful campaign.

Linehan lost his campaign for reelection in 1950 to the 82nd Congress, losing to Busbey who successfully took back his seat. He was also unsuccessful in his campaign fin 1952 to the 83rd Congress in the same seat, losing to Busbey again.

Later career He was Chicago district office of the Director of Price Stabilization in 1951, from which he resigned in December 1951. He later resumed his electrical contracting business.