Claude Harris; Ex-Congressman From Alabama

Claude Harris, 54, who represented Alabama’s 7th District in Congress for six years. During nearly three decades in public service, Harris built a reputation as a law-and-order U.S. attorney, a fair-minded judge and a hard-working congressman who took care of his constituents. Harris was elected to Congress in 1986, winning the seat that Sen. Richard Shelby (D-Ala.) gave up to run for the Senate. After defeating four Democrats and a Republican in three separate elections that year, Harris faced only nominal opposition in winning two more terms. But his congressional career was cut short by redistricting. In Congress, Harris maintained a conservative voting record while solidifying ties to House Democratic leaders. In 1990, he used those ties to win a seat on the prestigious House Energy and Commerce Committee. In Birmingham on Sunday of lung cancer.