Jack Schaffer (born October 12, 1942) is an American politician and businessman.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Schaffer served in the United States Army.[1] He received his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University.[1] He owned an outdoor advertising business and a self-storage business in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Schaffer was county auditor for McHenry County, Illinois from 1968 to 1972.[1] From 1973 to 1999, he served in the Illinois State Senate as a Republican.[1] As state senator, Schaffer served as caucus chairman, minority whip and minority leader.[1] In 1992, Schaffer ran for Congress in Illinois's 16th congressional district, against Don Manzullo. He was defeated in the Republican primary by Manzullo 56%-44%,[2][3] who would later go on to win the general election.[4]
From 1999 to 2003, Schaffer then served as a consultant and lobbyist and was Commissioner of the Illinois Office of Banks and Real Estate.[1] In 2006, Schaffer was appointed to the Metra Board, and in 2009, he was elected treasurer.[1][5]