Geoff Davis
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 4th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2005
Preceded by	Ken Lucas
Personal details
Born	Geoffrey C. Davis (1958-10-26) October 26, 1958 (age 53) Montreal, Quebec
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Pat Davis
Residence	Hebron, Kentucky
Alma mater	US Military Academy
Occupation	manufacturing consultant
Religion	Baptist
Military service
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1976-1987
Unit	82nd Combat Aviation Battalion [1]

Geoffrey C. "Geoff" Davis (born October 26, 1958) is the U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district, serving since 2005. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes 24 counties in the northeastern part of the state, stretching from the fringes of the Louisville area to the West Virginia border. Most of its vote, however, is cast in the counties bordering Cincinnati. On December 15, 2011, Davis announced he would not seek reelection in 2012.^[2]

Early life, education, and business career[link]

Davis was born in Montreal, Canada to American parents (one of few sitting House members to be born in Quebec). After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and later received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point, Davis studied national security and international affairs, as well as the Arabic language. In the U.S. Army he served as an aviation officer, eventually becoming an Assault Helicopter Flight Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. Davis also ran U.S. Army aviation operations for peace enforcement between Israel and Egypt. During his U.S. Army career, he attained both Senior Parachutist and Ranger qualification.^[3][4]

Before running for the U.S. House of Representatives, he owned a consulting firm specializing in lean manufacturing and systems integration.^[5]

U.S. House of Representatives[link]

Elections[link]

2002

In the 2002 elections, Davis challenged Ken Lucas, the Democratic incumbent but was narrowly defeated 51%-48%.^[6]

2004

Lucas declined to run for re-election, honoring a promise to serve only three terms. In the 2004 race for the open seat, Davis defeated his Democratic opponent Nick Clooney, father of actor George Clooney, 54%-44%.^[7]

2006

On January 30, 2006, Lucas announced he would challenge Davis later that year. The announcement instantly turned the race into one of the hottest in the campaign cycle, even though the 4th is considered the most Republican district in Kentucky. Despite a substantial Democratic advantage in voter registration, the influence of the heavily Republican Cincinnati suburbs kept the district in Republican hands from 1967 until Lucas won the seat in 1998. In August Congressional Quarterly rated this race as "Lean Republican." In late July the Washington Post also rated the race as a toss-up.^[8] A SurveyUSA poll released on July 25, 2006 showed Lucas leading 50% to 41%.^[9] However, the most recent independent SurveyUSA poll shows Davis up by two percentage points (46% Davis - 44% Lucas).^[10] Davis has a decisive lead in fundraising.^[11] The Cook Political Report, an independent non-partisan newsletter, rated the race for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District as a "Republican Toss-Up", meaning either party has a good chance of winning.^[12]

Davis won re-election 52%-43%, a margin of 17,023 votes.^[13]

2008

Davis won re-election with 63% of the vote, defeating Michael Kelley.^[14][15]

2010

Davis campaigning with Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Jim DeMint and Rep. Ron Paul in 2010

Davis was challenged by Democrat John Waltz, whom he defeated with 69% of the votes cast.^[16][17]

Tenure[link]

Davis has a solidly conservative voting record; according to his congressional website, he has positioned himself as pro-life and in favor of industrial deregulation.

In November, 2005, Davis made headlines for his response to Pennsylvania representative John Murtha's call for withdrawal from Iraq, saying, "Ayman Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's deputy, as well as Abu Musab Zarqawi, have made it quite clear in their internal propaganda that they cannot win unless they can drive the Americans out. And they know that they can't do that there, so they've brought the battlefield to the halls of Congress. And, frankly, the liberal leadership have put politics ahead of sound, fiscal and national security policy. And what they have done is cooperated with our enemies and are emboldening our enemies." Davis faced harsh criticism for his remarks, including, for example, from the Democratic Veterans of Northern Kentucky, and sparked a drive led by national Democratic Party leaders to get Ken Lucas to run against him in 2006.^[18][19][20]

Davis is a staunch advocate of a federal prohibition of online poker. In 2006, he supported H.R. 4411, the Goodlatte-Leach Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.^[21] In 2008, he opposed H.R. 5767, the Payment Systems Protection Act (a bill that sought to place a moratorium on enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act while the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve defined "unlawful Internet gambling").

In October 2009, Congressman Davis filed the REINS (Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny) Act which would give Congress an up or down vote on major rules. On December 7, 2011, the bill was passed in the House. The President has threatened to veto it if it comes to his desk.^{[22] [23]}

Contributors

This section is outdated. Please update this section to reflect recent events or newly available information. Please see the talk page for more information. (October 2011)

The Davis campaign has received contributions from the Americans for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee (ARMPAC), which was led by former Texas Congressman Tom DeLay. As of June 30, 2006, according to the Federal Election Commission, of the $2.4 million contributed to the Davis campaign for the current 2006 electoral cycle, $10,000 was contributed by ARMPAC.^[24] Tom DeLay is the subject of indictments sought by Ronnie Earle, the district attorney for Travis County, Texas, alleging violations of Texas campaign-finance law. Judge Pat Priest has dismissed one indictment against DeLay, the second has not yet come to trial.^[25] The charges against DeLay are considered by some to be politically motivated.^[26][27] Democrats have indicated that they consider the ARMPAC contributions to be a campaign issue.^[28] Davis has not, as of June 2007, been accused of any misconduct.

Davis has received donations from Republican Duke Cunningham, who pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Davis has not chosen to give back the money from Cunningham, while many other recipients have.^[29][30] Davis received a donation from Congressman Bob Ney, who pleaded guilty for bribery and his involvement with convicted felon Jack Abramoff.^[31]

Controversies

On April 12, 2008, at a Northern Kentucky Lincoln Day dinner, Davis compared the campaign slogans of Barack Obama to the sales pitch of a "snake oil salesman". He said in his remarks at the GOP dinner that he participated in a "highly classified, national security simulation" with Obama.

"I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis added. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country." ^[32]

Davis also made reference to Obama as being put into the Senate by someone who will probably spend many years of his life in prison (presumably a reference to Tony Rezko) and that Obama had never had a real job before. ^[33]

Davis later apologized for his comment in a letter:

Dear Senator Obama: On Saturday night I gave a speech in which I used a poor choice of words when discussing the national security policy positions of the Presidential candidates. I was quoted as saying "That boy's finger does not need to be on the button." My poor choice of words is regrettable and was in no way meant to impugn you or your integrity. I offer my sincere apology to you and ask for your forgiveness. Though we may disagree on many issues, I know that we share the goal of a prosperous, secure future for our nation. My comment has detracted from the dialogue that we should all be having on legitimate policy differences and in no way reflects the personal and professional respect I have for you. Sincerely,
Geoff Davis ^[34]

Committee assignments[link]

• Committee on Ways and Means
  • Subcommittee on Trade
  • Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures

References[link]

External links[link]

• U.S. Congressman Geoff Davis official U.S. House site
• Geoff Davis for Congress official campaign site
• Biography at WhoRunsGov.com at The Washington Post
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
• Congressional profile at GovTrack
• Congressional profile at OpenCongress
• Issue positions and quotes at On the Issues
• Financial information at OpenSecrets.org
• Staff salaries, trips and personal finance at LegiStorm.com
• Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
• Appearances on C-SPAN programs

Xavier Becerra
Democratic Caucus Vice-Chairman of the United States House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office January 2009
Preceded by	John B. Larson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 31st district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Hilda Solis
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 30th district
In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Matthew G. Martínez
Succeeded by	Henry Waxman
Member of the California State Assembly from the 59th district
In office 1990–1992
Preceded by	Charles Calderon
Succeeded by	Dick Mountjoy
Personal details
Born	(1958-01-26) January 26, 1958 (age 54) Sacramento, California, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Carolina Reyes
Residence	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma mater	Stanford Law School (J.D.) Stanford University (B.A.)
Occupation	Attorney Politician
Religion	Roman Catholic

Xavier Becerra (English pronunciation: /hɑːviˈɛər bɨˈsɛrə/ "HAH-vee-air"; born January 26, 1958) is the U.S. Representative for California's 31st congressional district, serving since 2003. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district is based in Los Angeles.

Early life, education, and early career[link]

Becerra was born in Sacramento, California, the son of working-class immigrants. He graduated in 1976 from C.K. McClatchy High School located in central city Sacramento. He went on to earn his B.A. in economics from Stanford University and his J.D. from Stanford Law School. He was initially a lawyer, working on cases involving individuals with mental impairment. He was also a staff member for California State Senator Art Torres and the Deputy Attorney-General of California. Becerra served one-term as a member of the California State Assembly before successfully running for Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives[link]

Elections[link]

1992

In 1992, after redistricting, incumbent Democratic U.S. Congressman Matthew Martínez of California's 30th congressional district decided to run in newly redrawn 31st district. Becerra, a Freshman Assemblyman, decided to run for congress in the Los Angeles based district. He won the Democratic primary with a plurality of 32% of the vote.^[1] In the general election, he defeated Republican nominee Morry Waksberg 58%–24%.^[2]

1994–2010

In 1994, he won re-election to a second term with 66%,^[3] the lowest re-election winning percentage of his career. After, he never won re-election with less than 72%. After redistricting, he ran for the 31st district.

2012

After redistricting, he announced in July 2011 that he would run in the newly redrawn California's 34th congressional district which he lives in and contains most of his current district.^[4]

Tenure[link]

Becerra is a prominent member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, of which he served as chairman during the 105th Congress. He was featured on The Colbert Reports Better Know a District on August 17, 2006.

On September 29, 2008 Becerra voted against the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 because he "wanted to see direct protections for responsible homeowners" in the bill.^[5]

Becerra considered running for Democratic Caucus Vice Chair for the 110th Congress; however, he deferred to John Larson when DCCC chairman Rahm Emanuel decided to run for Caucus Chair, the position Larson had been running for. Instead, Becerra was appointed assistant to the Speaker of the House for the 110th Congress.

Before the opening of the 111th Congress, Emanuel accepted a position as White House Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration. Larson succeeded Emanuel as caucus chair, and Becerra won his bid to succeed Larson as Vice-Chair. He defeated Marcy Kaptur of Ohio by a vote of 175–67.^[6]

In 2011, Becerra successfully ran for a second-term as Vice-Chair to serve during the 112th Congress.

During the 111th Congress and 112th Congress, Becerra served on several high profile committees. On March 24, 2010 Becerra was appointed to serve on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (often called Bowles-Simpson/Simpson-Bowles). On August 11, 2011 Becerra was selected to serve on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (also known as the Super Committee). And on December 23, 2011 Becerra was appointed to serve on a bicameral conference committee to find bipartisan solutions on the middle class tax cuts, unemployment insurance, and the Medicare physician payment rate.

Committee assignments[link]

• Committee on Ways and Means
  • Subcommittee on Oversight
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Social Security
• Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

Caucuses[link]

• Congressional Hispanic Caucus (Former Chair)
• Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

Other political ambitions[link]

2001 run for L.A. Mayor[link]

Becerra ran for mayor of Los Angeles in 2001. He finished with 6 percent of the primary vote, finishing behind businessman Steve Soboroff, Councilman Joel Wachs, former California State Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, and the eventual winner, then-City Attorney James Hahn.

Obama administration[link]

On January 27, 2008, Becerra formally endorsed U.S. Senator Barack Obama for President.^[7]

Becerra was considered for the position of US Trade Representative in the administration of President-elect Obama. While it was initially reported that he had already accepted,^[8] on December 15, 2008, he announced that he would not accept the position.^[9]

Personal life[link]

Becerra is married to physician Carolina Reyes^[10] and has three children. He owns a home in Chevy Chase, Maryland where his wife and three children reside.

References[link]

External links[link]

• U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra official U.S. house site
• Becerra for Congress official campaign site
• Biography at WhoRunsGov.com at The Washington Post
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
• Congressional profile at GovTrack
• Congressional profile at OpenCongress
• Issue positions and quotes at On the Issues
• Financial information at OpenSecrets.org
• Staff salaries, trips and personal finance at LegiStorm.com
• Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
• Appearances on C-SPAN programs
• Profile at SourceWatch

v t e Chairs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Roybal • García • Richardson • Martínez • Torres • Bustamante • Fuster • de la Garza • Ortiz • Serrano • Pastor • Becerra • Roybal-Allard • Reyes • Rodriguez • Napolitano • Baca • Velázquez • Gonzalez

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Xavier Becerra

Group of legislators leaves White House after asking Franklin Roosevelt for $80,000,000 for flood control in Ohio Valley, March 7, 1938. front: l-r Joseph A. Dixon, James G. Polk, Eugene B. Crowe, G W Johnson, Lawrence E. Imhoff, rear l-r : Peter De Muth, Kent E. Keller, Brent Spence.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Brent Spence

Brent Spence (December 24, 1874 - September 18, 1967), a native of Newport, Kentucky, was a long time Democratic Congressman, attorney, and banker from Northern Kentucky.

Spence was born in Newport, Kentucky to Philip and Virginia (Berry) Spence. He was graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1894 with a degree in law and was admitted to the bar that same year. He married Ida Bitterman on September 6, 1919.

He was very active in local and state politics, serving first in the Kentucky Senate, 1904–1908, then as city solicitor of Newport, 1916-1924. In 1930 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the 6th District; he held this position from March 4, 1931 until January 3, 1963 when illness forced him to retire. Spence, was at the time of his retirement, one of the oldest members to serve in the House.

Spence chaired the U.S. House Banking and Currency Committee (1943–1963, except for four years when Republicans controlled Congress). He was a delegate to the 44-nation Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, to promote fair commerce. This led to creating the International Monetary Fund and Bank, and Spence's sponsoring legislation in Congress. Spence was a strong supporter of the New Deal and the Fair Deal. During President Roosevelt's administration, he supported the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the National Industrial Recovery Act, the Social Security Act, and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.

Altogether Spence was a quiet man, who was not a good public speaker. However, he was known for his impartial leadership and could get critical legislation passed. His background in banking is credited for leading him to sponsor the Export-Import Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which doubled insured savings accounts from $5,000 to $10,000.

The Brent Spence Bridge of I-75/I-71 which crosses the Ohio River at Covington, Kentucky is named for him. He and his wife resided in Fort Thomas, Kentucky at the time of his death. His funeral service was at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Newport, where he was a lifetime member [1], then buried in Evergreen Cemetery (Southgate, Kentucky).

References[link]

"Brent Spence" in The Kentucky Encyclopedia, John E. Kleber, ed. (Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky), 1993.

Hedlund, Richard. "Brent Spence and the Bretton Woods Legislation", The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society 79 (Winter 1981).

External links[link]

• Kentucky Historical Markers
• Find A Grave
• Brent Spence