James A. McClure (born December 27, 1924) is an American politician from the state of Idaho, most notably serving as a Republican in the United States Senate. McClure was born in Payette, Idaho, and attended public schools there; upon turning 18, he joined the United States Navy, serving during World War II, from 1942 to 1946. McClure graduated from the Navy Program at the University of Idaho-Southern Branch (now Idaho State University) in 1943. After leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Idaho's College of Law, graduating in 1950.
From 1950 to 1956, he served as prosecuting attorney for Payette County, Idaho; he also served as city attorney for Payette from 1953 to 1966. During this span, he was also a member of the Idaho State Senate, serving from 1961 to 1966.
In the 1966 election, McClure ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from Idaho's 1st Congressional district. He won the race, defeating incumbent Compton I. White, Jr., and was reelected in 1968 and 1970.
In 1972, McClure ran for the Senate seat vacated by the retiring Len Jordan. In the general election he defeated the Democratic nominee, Idaho State University President William E. Davis. McClure was reelected by wide margins in 1978 and 1984.
During his time in the Senate, he served as the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from 1981-1987. He was also chairman of the Senate Republican Conference from 1981-1985. McClure declined to stand for reelection in 1990.
After leaving the Senate, McClure became a mining consultant and lobbyist in Washington, D.C., founding the firm of McClure, Gerard and Neuenschwander; however, he continues to maintain a residence in McCall, Idaho.
