Frank L. Smith

Born in Dwight, Illinois, in 1867, Frank L. Smith built his early career in business before moving into public life. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1919 to 1921 and became well known in Illinois Republican politics.

Smith is most remembered for the dramatic aftermath of the 1926 Senate election. Although he won election to the U.S. Senate, the Senate refused to seat him because of concerns tied to campaign spending and political corruption allegations. That episode made him a notable figure in the turbulent politics of the era.

He died in Chicago in 1950. Today, he is remembered less for long legislative service than for the unusual and highly public dispute that followed his Senate win.