Tim Walberg

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Tim Walberg
Tim Walberg, Official Portrait, 112th Congress.jpg
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan's 7th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded byMark Schauer
In office
January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2009
Preceded byJoe Schwarz
Succeeded byMark Schauer
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 57th district
40th district (1983–1992)
In office
January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1999
Preceded byKevin Fisher
Succeeded byDoug Spade
Personal details
Born
Timothy Lee Walberg

(1951-04-12) April 12, 1951 (age 68)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Susan Walberg
Children3
EducationWestern Illinois University
Moody Bible Institute
Taylor University (BA)
Wheaton College, Illinois (MA)
OccupationPastor (former)
WebsiteHouse website

Timothy Lee Walberg (born April 12, 1951) is an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he has served as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 7th congressional district since 2011. He previously represented the district from 2007-09.

Early life, education, and early career[edit]

Walberg was born and educated in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Alice Ann and John A. Walberg. His paternal grandparents were Swedish.[1] He left a post-high school position with the U.S. Forest Service to pursue higher education. At one point working in a steel mill to help pay tuition, he studied forestry at Western Illinois University and attended Moody Bible Institute, and completed his degree in 1975, when he earned a B.A. in religious education from Taylor University. By then Walberg was half-way through a four-year stint as a pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in New Haven, Indiana, which concluded when he enrolled in the Wheaton College graduate school. After receiving an M.A. in communications in 1978, Walberg and his young family relocated to Tipton, Michigan, where he led services at Union Gospel Church. He resigned his pastorship in 1982 in preparation for a successful bid for the Michigan House of Representatives.

Michigan legislature[edit]

Walberg served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1983 to 1998. He was succeeded by Doug Spade and the seat is currently held by Dudley Spade, both Democrats. Walberg also spent time as a pastor and as a division manager for the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois while continuing to live in Michigan.[2]

U.S. House of Representatives[edit]

Elections[edit]

2004
Main article: 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

After six years out of politics, Walberg ran in a field of six candidates in the 2004 Republican primary for the 7th District after six-term incumbent Nick Smith retired. Walberg finished third in the primary. State Senator Joe Schwarz won the primary and went on to win the general election.[3]

2006
Main article: 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

Walberg faced a rematch with incumbent Joe Schwarz in the 2006 Republican primary. Walberg defeated Schwarz in the primary.[4]

In the general election, Walberg defeated Democrat Sharon Renier 50%–46%.[5]

In 2007, there was a failed recall effort against Walberg.[6][7][8]

2008
See also: 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

Entering the 2008 race, Walberg was identified by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman Chris Van Hollen as one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents in Congress.[9] On August 23, 2007, State Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer announced he would challenge Walberg in the 2008 election.[10] The prior occupant of the seat, Joe Schwarz, who was defeated by Walberg in the 2006 Republican primary, declined to run himself but on September 30 endorsed Schauer.[11]

Schauer narrowly defeated Walberg in the November 2008 election, winning by a margin of 49% to 47%. Between the two candidates, around $3.5 million was spent on the campaign,[12] making it one of the most expensive House races in the 2008 election. Schauer outspent Walberg by nearly $300,000.[13]

2010
See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

On July 14, 2009, Walberg announced that he would run for his old congressional seat and challenge Democratic incumbent Mark Schauer.[14] He defeated Marvin Carlson and Brian Rooney in the Republican primary.

Prior to the election, polling showed the race as a dead heat.[15] Walberg defeated Schauer 50%–45%.[16]

2012
See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

Wahlberg defeated Democrat Kurt Haskell 53%–43%.[17]

2014
See also: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

Walberg defeated former Democratic State Representative Pam Byrnes in the general election with 54% of the vote.[18]

2016
See also: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District 7

Walberg ran for re-election in 2016. He defeated Doug North in the Republican primary on August 2, 2016. State Representative Gretchen Driskell was the lone Democrat to file for election.[19] In the general election, Walberg defeated Driskell with 55% of the vote.[20]

2018
See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan § District7

Walberg defeated Gretchen Driskell in the general election with 53.8% of the vote.[21]

Tenure[edit]

Walberg has voted repeatedly to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[22][23]

On July 23, 2014, Walberg introduced the Senior Executive Service Accountability Act, a bill that would give government agencies tools to remove executives in the Senior Executive Service for performance issues.[24] In January 2016, the bill was referred to the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.[25]

Walberg rejects the scientific consensus on climate change.[26][27][28] On the subject of climate change, he said in May 2017, "I believe that there is a creator in God who is much bigger than us. And I’m confident that, if there’s a real problem, he can take care of it."[26]

Committee assignments[edit]

Caucus memberships[edit]

Electoral history[edit]

2004 election for the U.S. House of Representatives – 7th District Republican Primary
  • Joe Schwarz (R), 28%
  • Brad Smith (R), 22%
  • Tim Walberg (R), 18%
  • Clark Bisbee (R), 14%
  • Gene DeRossett (R), 11%
  • Paul DeWeese (R), 7%
2006 election for the U.S. House of Representatives – 7th District Republican Primary
  • Tim Walberg (R), 33,144, 53%
  • Joe Schwarz (R) (inc.), 29,349, 47%
2006 election for the U.S. House of Representatives – 7th District
  • Tim Walberg (R), 49.93%
  • Sharon Renier (D), 45.98%
  • Robert Hutchinson (L), 1.55%
  • David Horn (UST), 1.47%
  • Joe Schwarz (write-in), 1.07%
2008 election for the U.S. House of Representatives – 7th District
  • Mark Schauer (D), 48.79%[32]
  • Tim Walberg (R), 46.49%
  • Lynn Meadows (G), 2.96%
  • Ken Proctor (L), 1.76%
2010 election for the U.S. House of Representatives – 7th District
  • Tim Walberg (R), 50.1%
  • Mark Schauer (D), 45.4%
  • Other, 4.5%
2012 election for the U.S. House of Representatives – 7th District
  • Tim Walberg (R), 55.4%
  • Kurt Haskell (D), 44.6%

Personal life[edit]

Walberg and his wife Sue live in Tipton (near Tecumseh, Michigan), where they brought up their three now-adult children. Walberg's son Matthew works as a crime reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Tim Walberg is an ordained pastor. Ordained as a Baptist, he currently identifies as nondenominational.[33] Walberg attends a church affiliated with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.[34]

Controversies[edit]

Walberg has repeatedly invoked "birther" conspiracy theories surrounding President Barack Obama's birth certificate.[35]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "tim walberg". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  2. ^ "Rep. Tim Walberg". The Arena. Politico. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  3. ^ "2004 Michigan Election Results". Michigan Department of State. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Rep. Schwarz defeated in Michigan primary". NBC News. Associated Press. August 9, 2006. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Statistics of the Congressional Election" (PDF). United States House of Representatives. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  6. ^ Recall campaign launched against Walberg. Retrieved August 8, 2007.
  7. ^ "Judge rules against Walberg recall effort". The Ann Arbor News. Associated Press. 2007-08-29. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-08-30.
  8. ^ Pelham, Dennis (2007-08-29). "Walberg recall over". The Daily Telegraph (Lenawee). Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 2007-08-30.
  9. ^ "Van Hollen's Top '08 Targets". National Journal. January 30, 2007. Archived from the original on February 12, 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2016.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
  10. ^ Eggert, David (August 24, 2007). "Michigan Senate minority leader to challenge Walberg in 2008 race". The Argus-Press. Associated Press. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  11. ^ "Schwarz endorses Democrat in race". MLive. Associated Press. September 30, 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  12. ^ "Schauer declares victory in 7th District U.S. House race". Michigan Daily. 2008-11-05. Retrieved 2008-11-13.
  13. ^ Savage, Chris (September 26, 2009). "Eyeing A Comeback, Former Rep. Walberg Holds Health Care Town Halls". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  14. ^ Gautz, Chris (July 14, 2009). "Former Congressman Tim Walberg to challenge U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer for old seat". MLive. Jackson Citizen Patriot. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  15. ^ "The Hill: Latest poll shows race between Mark Schauer, Tim Walberg a dead heat". Jackson Citizen Patriot. 2010-10-07.
  16. ^ "Michigan – Election Results 2010". New York Times. 2010-11-03.
  17. ^ "Michigan Congressional District 7 election results". NBC News. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  18. ^ Forgrave, Will (November 5, 2014). "11 Tim Walberg keeps U.S. Congressional seat, Democrat Pam Byrnes concedes the 7th District". MLive. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  19. ^ Forgrave, Will (February 9, 2015). "65 Democratic state Rep. Gretchen Driskell announces bid for 7th Congressional seat in 2016". MLive. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  20. ^ Oosting, Jonathan; Laing, Keith (November 9, 2016). "District 7: Rep. Walberg wins re-election over Driskell". The Detroit News. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  21. ^ "Michigan's 7th Congressional District election, 2018". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2019-09-13.
  22. ^ Bob Wheaton (31 October 2012). "Rep. Tim Walberg would keep trying to repeal Obamacare". MLive.
  23. ^ Forgrave, Will (February 19, 2014). "Obamacare complaints aired at health-care forum hosted by U.S. Rep Tim Walberg". MLive. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  24. ^ Chaffetz, Jason (April 27, 2015). "Federal Rules Support Incompetence". Politico. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  25. ^ "H.R.4358 All Congressional Actions". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  26. ^ a b Bobic, Igor (2017-05-31). "GOP Congressman: God Will 'Take Care Of' Climate Change If It Exists". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
  27. ^ Gajanan, Mahita. "Republican Congressman Says God Will 'Take Care Of' Climate Change". Time. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  28. ^ "GOP congressman on climate change: God will 'take care of it' if it's real". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  29. ^ "Member List". Republican Study Committee. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  30. ^ "Members". House Baltic Caucus. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  31. ^ "Members". Congressional Constitution Caucus. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  32. ^ "The Capitol Record Since 1906". Michigan State University. Retrieved January 20, 2009.[dead link]
  33. ^ Faith on the Hill: The Religious Composition of the 114th Congress
  34. ^ Tim Walberg Becomes Second UB Congressman
  35. ^ [1]

External links[edit]

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Joe Schwarz 		Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan's 7th congressional district
2007–2009 		Succeeded by
Mark Schauer
Preceded by
Mark Schauer 		Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan's 7th congressional district
2011–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Tom Reed 		United States Representatives by seniority
147th 		Succeeded by
Bill Foster
Michigan's delegation(s) to the 110th & 112th–115th United States Congresses (ordered by seniority)
110th Senate: C. Levin • D. Stabenow House: J. Dingell Jr. • J. Conyers II • D. Kildee • S. Levin • F. Upton • D. Camp • P. Hoekstra • J. Knollenberg • B. Stupak • V. Ehlers • C. Kilpatrick • M. Rogers • T. McCotter • C. Miller • T. Walberg
112th Senate: C. Levin • D. Stabenow House: J. Dingell Jr. • J. Conyers II • D. Kildee • S. Levin • F. Upton • D. Camp • M. Rogers • T. McCotter (until Jul. 2012) • C. Miller • G. Peters • T. Walberg • J. Amash • D. Benishek • H. Clarke • B. Huizenga • D. Curson (from Nov. 2012)
113th Senate: C. Levin • D. Stabenow House: J. Dingell Jr. • J. Conyers II • S. Levin • F. Upton • D. Camp • M. Rogers • C. Miller • G. Peters • T. Walberg • J. Amash • D. Benishek • B. Huizenga • K. Bentivolio • D. Kildee
114th Senate: D. Stabenow • G. Peters House: J. Conyers II • S. Levin • F. Upton • C. Miller (until Dec. 2016) • T. Walberg • J. Amash • D. Benishek • B. Huizenga • D. Kildee • M. Bishop • D. Dingell • B. Lawrence • J. Moolenaar • D. Trott
115th Senate: D. Stabenow • G. Peters House: J. Conyers II (until Dec. 2017) • S. Levin • F. Upton • T. Walberg • J. Amash • B. Huizenga • D. Kildee • M. Bishop • D. Dingell • B. Lawrence • J. Moolenaar • D. Trott • J. Bergman • P. Mitchell • B. Jones (from Nov. 2018)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tim_Walberg&oldid=938075696"