Gore, Thomas Pryor

Gore, Thomas Pryor (1870–1949) U.S. senator; born in Walthall, Miss. Despite his near blindness (he was known as the "Blind Orator") he practiced law. Settling in Oklahoma Territory (1901), he became the most influential politician there, and after leading the territory to statehood, he became one of its first two U.S. senators (Dem., 1907–21). A populist in domestic matters, he opposed U.S. entry into World War I and the League of Nations. He lost the Democratic primary in 1920, but was reelected in 1930. In his final term (1931–37), he opposed much of the New Deal except for legislation supporting farmers.