Edward P. Costigan

Edward Prentiss Costigan ( born July 1, 1874 in King William County; † January 17, 1939 in Denver ) was an American politician (Democratic Party), who represented the state of Colorado in the Senate.

Life

He graduated in law from Harvard University in 1899 and began his work as a lawyer in Denver in 1900.

Costigan was one of the founding members of the Progressive Party in Colorado in 1912, but lost the election for governor. President Woodrow Wilson appointed him a member of the United States Tariff Commission in 1917. He was elected as a Democrat in 1930 in the Senate of the United States. Oscar L. Chapman launched his campaign.

Costigan -Wagner Act

Costigan and Robert F. Wagner promoted a nationwide anti Lynch law. In 1935, attempts were made to gain President Franklin D. Roosevelt to support the Costigan -Wagner Act. Roosevelt, however, refused to support this bill, should the sheriffs, not protect the prisoners before a lynch mob punish. He believed, therefore, support of white voters would lose in the south, would thus lose the presidential election in 1936.

The Costigan - Wagner bill received the support of many members of Congress, but the southern opposition was able to prevent this. However launched a national debate, the attention brought to the crime of lynching.