Sherrod Brown

Sherrod Brown
United States Senator from Ohio
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2007 Serving with George Voinovich
Preceded by	Mike DeWine
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 13th district
In office January 5, 1993 – January 3, 2007
Preceded by	Don Pease
Succeeded by	Betty Sutton
47th Ohio Secretary of State
In office 1983–1991
Governor	Dick Celeste
Preceded by	Anthony J. Celebrezze Jr.
Succeeded by	Bob Taft
Personal details
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Larke Ummel Brown (div. 1987) Connie Schultz
Children	Emily Brown Elizabeth Brown
Residence	Lorain, Ohio
Alma mater	Ohio State University (M.A.) Yale University (B.A.)
Occupation	Teacher

Sherrod Campbell Brown (born November 9, 1952) is the junior United States Senator from the state of Ohio, and a member of the Democratic Party. Before his election to the Senate in 2006, Brown served as a member of the House of Representatives from Ohio's 13th district and as Ohio's Secretary of State.

Early life

Brown was born in Mansfield, Ohio to Emily Campbell and Charles Gailey Brown, M.D. He became an Eagle Scout in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian studies from Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut) in 1974. At Yale, he was in Davenport College, the same residential college as U.S. Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush. He went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in education and public administration from The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) in 1981. He taught at the Mansfield branch campus of Ohio State University from 1979 to 1981.

Career in politics

State politics

Brown served as an Ohio state representative from 1974 to 1982. He was one of the youngest state representatives in Ohio history, and supposedly, shortly after taking office, he was mistaken for an intern and asked to fetch coffee by a staffer. In 1982, he won a four-way Democratic primary that included Dennis Kucinich, now a Cleveland Congressman, then defeated Republican Virgil Brown in the general election for the office of Ohio Secretary of State, succeeding Anthony J. Celebrezze Jr.. In 1986, Brown won re-election as secretary of state, defeating Vincent C. Campanella. In 1990, Brown lost when trying for a third term as secretary of state to Republican Bob Taft.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1992, Brown moved from Mansfield to Lorain, Ohio and won the heavily contested Democratic primary for an open seat in Ohio's 13th district, located in the western and southern suburbs of Cleveland, after eight-term incumbent Don Pease announced his retirement. The Democratic-leaning district gave him an easy win over the little known Republican Margaret R. Mueller. He was re-elected six times, never facing substantive opposition with the exception of during the Republican landslide of 1994 when his opponent was a popular long-time local prosecutor.

Brown was the ranking minority member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee. He also served on the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. As a member of the House International Relations Committee, he also served on the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. He was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

In 2001, the Republican-controlled legislature threatened to draw Brown's district out from under him. Brown threatened to run for governor in 2002 against incumbent Bob Taft. The Republicans backed down, and in fact made his district even more heavily Democratic by adding most of Akron and drawing out Geauga and Portage counties.

In 2005, Brown led the Democratic effort to block the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). For many months, Brown worked as whip on the issue, securing Democratic "nay" votes and seeking Republican allies. After several delays, the House of Representatives finally voted on CAFTA after midnight on July 28, 2005. The Republican leadership kept the roll call open well past the 15 minute standard, and the House approved CAFTA by a vote of 217 to 215. CAFTA effectively passed by one vote– a tie would have resulted in a defeat.

Brown cited this stinging outcome as the impetus for the next stage of his career: running for the U.S. Senate.

2006 Senate campaign

Main article: Ohio United States Senate election, 2006

Brown hosts a panel of advisers to Barack Obama's presidential campaign during the first day of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

In August 2005, Brown announced he would not run for the United States Senate seat held by Republican Mike DeWine. In October, however, Brown reconsidered his decision to enter the ring. This announcement came shortly after Democrat Paul Hackett also stated that he would soon announce his candidacy.

On February 13, 2006, Hackett withdrew from the race, all but ensuring that Brown would win the Democratic nomination. In the May 2 primary, Brown won 78.05% of the Democratic vote. His opponent, Merrill Samuel Keiser, Jr., received 21.95% of the vote.

In the middle of his Senate campaign in April 2006 Brown, along with John Conyers, brought an action against George W. Bush and others alleging violations of the Constitution in the passing of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The case (Conyers v. Bush) was ultimately dismissed for 'lack of standing'.

On November 7, 2006, Brown faced two-term incumbent senator Mike DeWine in the general election. By 2:17 A.M. on November 8, most major television networks had declared Brown the winner against Mike DeWine. Brown won the seat with 56% of the vote to DeWine's 44%.

Subject of negative campaigning

One of DeWine's ads, aired in October 2006, suggests that opponent Sherrod Brown did not pay an unemployment tax bill for 13 years. This claim led to the Associated Press reporting on October 19, 2006 that, "Several Ohio television stations have stopped airing a Republican ad because state documents contradict the ad's accusation that Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown didn't pay an unemployment tax bill for 13 years." Brown has produced a commercial citing these facts. [2] Citing a clerical error, Brown actually paid the $1,700 bill, which was due in 1993, in April 1994. However, this clerical error made it appear as if he had not paid this bill. [3]

Brown was the subject of a misunderstanding by Rush Limbaugh on his radio program on February 14, 2006. Commenting on Hackett's withdrawal from the Senate race the previous day, Limbaugh declared there was a racial element to that withdrawal, making that statement on the erroneous assumption that Brown was black. (Limbaugh apparently perceived "Sherrod" as a more common name among African-Americans than among whites.) He was corrected and withdrew his statement later in the same program.

On Issues

Brown is consistently one of the most liberal members of Congress, particularly on opposition to free trade, but has voted with conservatives on a small number of major issues.

Issues[4]

Budget

July 20, 2009

Thank you for expressing your concerns over government spending.

I support the targeted spending contained in the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

It is crucial that we get money into the pockets of Americans. We are facing an economic crisis the likes of which has not been seen in decades. Americans are in desperate need of jobs. The recently passed spending bills will create or protect millions of jobs. When individuals have jobs, they can then spend money and help spur our capitalist economy.

However, I agree with you that the government has a responsibility to address the ballooning federal deficit. When President Bush began his first term, he inherited a federal budget surplus of $236 billion from President Clinton. President Obama inherited a nearly $1.3 trillion budget deficit from President Bush. The national debt stood at $5.8 trillion when President Bush took office, and now it is close to $12 trillion. I support President Obama's goal to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term.

If you have specific suggestions or thoughts on how to improve our economy, I would be glad to hear them. Thank you again for being in touch with my office.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown United States Senator

Energy

July 1, 2009

Thank you for sharing your views about energy legislation.

Effective clean energy legislation will reduce carbon emissions and promote the production of renewable energy—but most importantly it will also ensure the creation of new clean energy jobs and industries. Clean energy legislation must also ensure the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers and protect consumers by keeping utility rates affordable. We must work to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by making America a global leader in clean energy manufacturing.

For this reason, I recently announced legislation called the Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology (IMPACT) Act. This legislation, which was included in the House energy bill, would support manufacturers' transition to the clean energy economy and ensure clean energy jobs are created here in the U.S. This legislation would create a revolving loan fund for small and medium size manufacturers to retool and expand facilities to produce clean energy technology and energy efficient products. It is estimated this measure will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

A growing consensus of scientists agree that human activities are contributing to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and climate change across the globe. As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States has a clear obligation to be at the forefront of climate change policy. Without action, we risk our health and the health of future generations, the well-being of our coastal areas, and the productivity of our farms, forests, and fisheries.

As climate change legislation continues to be discussed in Congress, I will work to ensure that an unfair burden is not placed on Ohio families and businesses and that clean energy legislation creates new jobs and economic opportunities across Ohio.

I will certainly keep your views in mind as this legislation moves through Congress. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown United States Senator

June 18, 2008

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the Climate Security Act of 2008 (S.3036).

S.3036 is a bipartisan bill that seeks to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions through a market-based cap and trade system. While I think this legislation is a step in the right direction, I voted against limiting debate on the bill. Because this is an issue of global importance, I am working to ensure that American manufacturers are competing on a level playing field with foreign competitors. And as we transition from an energy intensive economy to a low carbon economy run increasingly on clean renewable and alternative energy sources, we must ensure that utility rates remain manageable for all Ohio consumers.

America can and should be a leader in efforts to combat climate change and I will continue to fight for legislation that is environmentally strong, economically feasible, and does not place an unfair burden on Ohioans. I appreciate your thoughts on this matter and will keep them in mind as work continues on climate change legislation in the months ahead. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely, Sherrod Brown

Health Care

July 29, 2009

Thank you for getting in touch with my office.

I appreciate your question about whether I read every word of bills that come before me. While I study every major section of a bill, I do not read every word. Because members of Congress have a responsibility to meet with constituents, travel in the state, and work on emerging issues affecting Ohioans and the nation as a whole, we rely on staff members to assist us in poring through legislation. I am fortunate to have an excellent staff to assist me.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown United States Senator

July 8, 2009

Thank you for expressing your views regarding the state of the American health care system.

The Senate will be examining many issues relating to health care reform. I have received numerous letters providing recommendations and I appreciate the input I have received from you and other Ohioans on this issue.

Health care reform is desperately needed in this country. While costs mount for those with health care plans, 50 million Americans remain uninsured and millions more are underinsured. I strongly believe that our health care system is in need of reform that reduces the long-term growth of health care costs for business and government; protects families from bankruptcy or debt because of health expenditures; guarantees choice of doctors and health plans; invests in prevention and wellness; improves patient safety and quality of care; assures affordable, quality health coverage for all Americans; and ends barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.

I have passed your concerns and suggestions along to the legislative assistants in my office who monitor health care reform initiatives. Please be sure that I am considering all the options carefully and that I will keep your views in mind as legislation related to this issue come before the Senate.

Thank you again for getting in touch with me on this matter.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown United States Senator

May 6, 2009

Thank you for expressing your views regarding employer-provided health benefits.

The Senate will be examining many issues relating to health care reform in the 111th Congress. I appreciate the input I have received from Ohioans on this issue.

Health care reform is desperately needed in this country. While costs mount for those with health care plans, 50 million Americans remain uninsured and millions more are underinsured. However, I agree with you that we can address the problems with our health system without jeopardizing employer-sponsored coverage.

One promising solution to the problems of cost, quality, and access that plague our health care system is to increase competition in the health insurance market. If the private insurance industry was truly competitive, then there would be strong incentives to provide coverage to as many Americans as possible and to build customer loyalty through cost savings and quality improvements. Unfortunately, insurers do not truly compete against one another; instead, they make use of the same basic strategies to earn significant profits. These tactics include selectively insuring the lowest risk enrollees, slow-walking claims payments so they can earn interest on every premium dollar, and denying as many claims as possible.

What the insurance industry needs is some healthy competition from a public insurance option. This option would not replace employer-sponsored coverage; it would simply give uninsured or underinsured Americans the choice of enrolling in an insurance plan that does not engage in the same cost-avoidance tactics as private insurance plans do. The public insurance option would also be a vehicle for quality, coverage, and provider access improvements that set the bar higher for private insurance plans.

I understand that the private health insurance industry has launched a massive campaign against the public insurance option. I truly believe it is in the best interests of all Americans if the industry is unsuccessful in its attempts to prevent additional competition in the insurance market.

Thank you again for getting in touch with me on this matter.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown United States Senator

April 22, 2009

Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding the state of the American health care system.

The increasingly fragmented and inefficient health care system in the U.S. is a major concern. While premiums mount for those with health care plans, nearly 50 million Americans remain uninsured and millions more are underinsured. And despite staggeringly high health care costs, our nation lags behind other developed countries across a spectrum of health indicators.

I support legislation that would establish a dual coverage system that gives Americans the option to enroll in private coverage or a public insurance program. Whether the measure is cost, access, or quality, competition between private and public insurance coverage encourages plans to excel in order to attract enrollees. I am convinced it is in the best interest of our nation to foster such competition.

Thank you again for getting in touch with me on this matter. As work on health care form continues in Congress, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Sincerely, Sherrod Brown

Iraq War

Sherrod Brown has been consistently against the war in Iraq since taking office in 2007. He voted against the $87 billion war budgetary supplement. He also voted for redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Rights

Sherrod Brown is a strong advocate of gay rights. He opposed an amendment to Ohio's constitution that banned same sex marriage. Brown was also one of the few U.S. Representatives to vote against the then highly popular Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. He also voted against prohibiting gay adoptions in Washington DC, and received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign.

Health Care

In 2007 Senators Brown and Sam Brownback (R-KS) sponsored an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. President George W. Bush signed the bill in September 2007. The amendment created a prize as an incentive for companies to invest in new drugs and vaccines for neglected tropical diseases. It awards a transferable “Priority Review Voucher” to any company that obtains approval for a treatment for a neglected tropical disease. This provision adds to the market based incentives available for the development of new medicines for developing world diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and African sleeping sickness.

The prize was proposed by Duke University faculty Henry Grabowski, Jeffrey Moe, and David Ridley in their 2006 Health Affairs paper: "Developing Drugs for Developing Countries."

Family

Brown's wife, Connie Schultz, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist at Cleveland's Plain Dealer newspaper. Brown's daughter Emily works for the Service Employees International Union, daughter Elizabeth was an editorial assistant at New York Magazine and is currently a communication staff person for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, and stepdaughter Caitlin is a senior at John Carroll University. Stepson Andrew C. Gard is a doctoral student (Ph.D., Mathematics) at The Ohio State University. Brown and his family are Lutherans. They reside in Avon, Lorain County, Ohio.

Books authored

Brown is the author of two books:

• Congress from the Inside: Observations from the Majority and the Minority ISBN 0-87338-630-2
• Myths of Free Trade: Why American Trade Policy Has Failed ISBN 1-56584-928-0

Committee assignments

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Subcommittee on Economic Policy (Chairman)
  • Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development
  • Subcommittee on Security and International Trade and Finance
• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• Committee on Veterans' Affairs
• Select Committee on Ethics

Electoral history

Ohio's 13th congressional district: Results 1992–2004

Year		Democrat	Votes	Pct		Republican	Votes	Pct		3rd Party	Party	Votes	Pct		3rd Party	Party	Votes	Pct
1992		Sherrod Brown	134,486	53%		Margaret R. Mueller	88,889	35%		Mark Miller	Independent	20,320	8%		Tom Lawson	Independent	4,719	2%	*
1994		Sherrod Brown	93,147	49%		Gregory A. White	86,422	46%		Howard Mason	Independent	7,777	4%		John M. Ryan	Independent	2,430	1%
1996		Sherrod Brown	148,690	61%		Kenneth C. Blair, Jr.	87,108	36%		David Kluter	Natural Law	8,707	4%
1998		Sherrod Brown	116,309	62%		Grace L. Drake	72,666	38%
2000		Sherrod Brown	170,058	65%		Rick H. Jeric	84,295	32%		Michael Chmura	Libertarian	5,837	2%		David Kluter	Natural Law	3,108	1%
2002		Sherrod Brown	123,025	69%		Ed Oliveros	55,357	31%
2004		Sherrod Brown	201,004	67%		Robert Lucas	97,090	33%

*Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 1992, Werner J. Lange received 3,844 votes (2%).

U.S. Senate (Class I) elections in Ohio: 2006 results

Year		Democrat	Votes	Pct		Republican	Votes	Pct
2006		Sherrod Brown	2,257,369	56%		Mike DeWine	1,761,037	44%	*

*Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 2006, Richard Duncan received 830 votes.

See also

• Ohio United States Senate elections
• Election Results, U.S. Representative from Ohio, 13th District
• List of United States Representatives from Ohio

External links

• United States Senator Sherrod Brown official Senate site

• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Profile at Vote Smart
• SourceWatch Congresspedia– Sherrod Brown profile
• About.com– Sherrod Brown profile
• USA TODAY– Sherrod Brown profile
• Sherrod Brown for US Senate official campaign site
• Sherrod Brown's Blog at Huffington Post
• County map of 2006 Ohio Senate election results