Wayne Hays, American lieutenant and politician (b. 1911)

Wayne Levere Hays (May 13, 1911 – February 10, 1989) was a prominent American politician whose extensive career as a U.S. Representative for Ohio, serving the Democratic Party from 1949 to 1976, ended dramatically following a widely publicized sex scandal. For nearly three decades, Hays was a formidable figure in Washington, known for his influence and control over significant aspects of congressional operations, before his tenure concluded amidst controversy.

Born in Bannock, Ohio, Hays received his education from Ohio University (A.B. 1933) and Duke University (M.A. 1934). After teaching and serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he embarked on his political journey, first as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1945 to 1947. In 1948, he was successfully elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, initially representing Ohio's 18th congressional district. He would go on to serve 14 terms, demonstrating considerable electoral strength and establishing a long-standing presence in Congress.

Throughout his time in the House, Hays ascended to powerful positions, most notably becoming chairman of the influential House Administration Committee. This committee controlled the budget and operational aspects of the House, including staff salaries, office allowances, and various legislative services, granting Hays immense authority. He also chaired the Joint Committee on Congressional Operations and led the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, further solidifying his reputation as a powerful, albeit often described as autocratic, figure within the Democratic Party and Congress at large.

Hays's distinguished congressional career came to an abrupt end in 1976 due to the "Elizabeth Ray scandal." In May of that year, Elizabeth Ray, a clerical assistant on the House Administration Committee, publicly alleged that she was employed on the congressional payroll primarily for sexual favors rather than legislative duties. Her famous quote, "I can't type, I can't file, I can't even answer the phone," captured public attention and fueled intense media scrutiny. The allegations triggered a formal investigation by the House Ethics Committee, placing Hays under immense pressure and sparking a national conversation about congressional ethics and accountability.

Facing the escalating scandal and additional allegations of payroll abuse, Hays resigned his chairmanship of the House Administration Committee in June 1976. Subsequently, citing health reasons and ongoing hospitalization for depression, he officially resigned from Congress on September 1, 1976, bringing an end to his 27-year career in the House. Though his national political career was over, Hays remained active in local Ohio politics, serving on a school board and as a county commissioner in the years following his resignation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne Levere Hays

Who was Wayne Levere Hays?
Wayne Levere Hays was an American Democratic politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Ohio from 1949 to 1976. He was known for his long tenure and powerful leadership roles in Congress, particularly as chairman of the House Administration Committee, before his career ended in a public scandal.
What was Wayne Levere Hays's key role in the Democratic Party and Congress?
As a prominent Democrat, Hays wielded significant power as the chairman of the House Administration Committee. This position gave him control over the budget, staffing, and operational aspects of the U.S. House of Representatives, making him an influential and sometimes controversial figure.
What led to Wayne Levere Hays's resignation from Congress?
Hays resigned from Congress in 1976 following the highly publicized "Elizabeth Ray scandal." Elizabeth Ray, a congressional aide, alleged she was on the payroll for sexual favors. This led to a House Ethics Committee investigation and widespread public outcry, forcing Hays's resignation amidst other allegations of payroll abuses.
When did the Elizabeth Ray scandal occur?
The allegations from Elizabeth Ray surfaced in May 1976, leading to intense media scrutiny and an ethics investigation. Wayne Levere Hays ultimately resigned from Congress on September 1, 1976, several months after the scandal broke.
Which Ohio district did Wayne Levere Hays represent?
Wayne Levere Hays primarily represented Ohio's 18th congressional district for most of his 14 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, though district lines were redrawn over his long tenure.