James W. Faulkner

Who was James W. Faulkner?

James W. Faulkner was an American political journalist from Cincinnati, Ohio, whose career spanned local politics in Cincinnati; state politics in Ohio; and whose writings covered the Presidential campaigns of both parties from 1892 through 1920. Faulkner started his newspaper career with the Cincinnati Post in 1877 and joined the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1887. In 1890 at the age of 27 he was assigned to Columbus, Ohio to report on the General Assembly and state politics. He observed many lobbyists had invaded the chambers of the Legislature posing as newspapermen, causing special interest group influence on the floor of the House and Senate. He formed the Ohio Legislative Correspondents Association, requiring newsmen to submit credentials before gaining floor privileges. He served as its president for 24 years.

Faulkner covered every political convention for both parties from 1892 to his death in 1923. Aside from writing political editorial columns Faulkner wrote articles for various publications during his career. He died, aged 60, while attending a newspaper editors meeting and Associated Press convention in New York City on May 5, 1923.