Biographical Profile for Thomas Carper
| Currently Elected U.S. Senator, Delaware |
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General: (political statement of goals, objectives, views, philosophies)
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During his almost 30 years of public service, Tom Carper has worked tirelessly to develop practical solutions to real problems. His ability to work across party lines has earned Senator Carper a reputation for consensus-building that is unique in today's political climate. The Washington Post's David Broder calls Senator Tom Carper "a notably effective and non-partisan leader, admired and trusted on both sides of the aisle."
Senator Carper joins his colleagues on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Environment & Public Works Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as the Special Committee on Aging. He is currently the ranking democrat on both the Clean Air Subcommittee and Federal Financial Management Subcommittee.
In 2004, Senator Carper was named Deputy Whip -- the first time since 1881 that a U.S. senator from Delaware has served in a leadership position. Senator Carper continues to be a leading voice of moderation within his party, advising the Senate leadership and helping to devise, coordinate and implement strategy for the Democratic caucus.
Most recently, Senator Carper was named vice-chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, a leading centrist organization formed in the 1980s to promote "New Democrat" messages of national security, economic growth and personal responsibility.
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Personal: (gender, age, marital status, spouse's name and age, children's name and
ages, home town, current residence)
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Tom Carper was born in West Virginia and raised in Virginia. Senator Carper and his wife Martha Ann reside in Wilmington with their two sons, Chris and Ben. Both of their children attend a public charter high school in New Castle County.
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Education: (times and places of schools, colleges, major, degrees, activities, sports)
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Tom Carper attended Ohio State University on a Navy R.O.T.C. scholarship, graduating in 1968 with a B.A. in economics. In 1973, Tom earned his M.B.A. at the University of Delaware.
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Profession: (profession and work experience outside politics)
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Industrial Development Specialist, Deleware Division of Economic Development, 1975-1976.
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Military: (branch, years of service, active duty experience, highest rank, medals,
honors, discharge date and type)
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Tom Carper completed five years of service as a naval flight officer and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until retiring from military service in 1991 with the rank of captain. Tom served as a naval flight officer in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and later as a P-3 aircraft mission commander.
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Civic: (past and present organizations, charities involvement)
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Vice Chair, Board of Directors, American Legacy Foundation
American Legion
Former Member, Amtrak Board of Directors
Chair, Executive Board, Board of Jobs for America's Graduates
Common Cause
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Vietnam Veterans of America.
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Political: (dates and titles of previously held political offices)
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His career in public service began in 1976 when he was elected to the first of three terms as Delaware's state treasurer at the age of 29.
After serving five terms as a U.S. congressman, Tom Carper was elected the 78th governor of Delaware in 1992 and served two terms in that role.
On Jan. 3, 2001, Governor Carper stepped down two weeks early to become Delaware's junior senator.
Senator Carper joins his colleagues on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Environment & Public Works Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as the Special Committee on Aging. He is currently the ranking democrat on both the Clean Air Subcommittee and Federal Financial Management Subcommittee.
In 2004, Senator Carper was named Deputy Whip.
Most recently, Senator Carper was named vice-chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council.
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Religion: (current and past religious affiliations, beliefs)
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Presbyterian.
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Accomplishments: (significant accomplishments, awards, achievements)
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Governor Carper led the effort to strengthen the State's 'rainy day' fund and boost Delaware's credit rating to "AAA" for the first time in state history, while helping to overhaul the state's education system and to implement welfare reform initiatives in Delaware and the nation.
During his second term as governor, Tom Carper was selected by his colleagues to serve as vice-chairman, then as chairman, of the National Governors' Association.
The Washington Post's David Broder calls him "a notably effective and non-partisan leader, admired and trusted on both sides of the aisle."
As chair of the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety subcommittee, Tom Carper has fought tirelessly to clean our air, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels and to create American jobs while doing it.
Additionally, he continues to serve as co-chairman of the Senate Nuclear Caucus, the Senate Recycling Caucus and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.
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