Difference between revisions of "Jim Oberstar"

From SourceWatch
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Simplified money data)
(CP: lost election)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{congresspedia}}
+
[[Image:jimoberstar.jpg|thumb|Jim Oberstar previously served the 8th Congressional district of Minnesota]]
−
{{Representative header|state=Minnesota|district=8}}
 
−
[[Image:jimoberstar.jpg|thumb|Jim Oberstar currently serves the 8th Congressional district of Minnesota]]
 
  
−
'''James Louis Oberstar''' has been a [[United States Democratic Party| Democratic]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] since 1975, representing the 8th District of [[:Category:Members of the U.S. Congress from Minnesota|Minnesota]]. The district is based in Duluth and includes most of the northeastern part of the state. ([http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/mn08_109.gif map]) 
+
'''James Louis Oberstar''', a [[Democrat]], is a former U.S. Representative for the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota, having served 1997 to 2011. The 8th district is based in Duluth and includes most of the northeastern part of the state.<ref name="WP">[http://www.whorunsgov.com/Profiles/James_L._Oberstar James L. Oberstar profile], ''The Washington Post'', accessed January 2011.</ref>
  
 
==Record and controversies==
 
==Record and controversies==
Line 14: Line 12:
  
 
{{Iraq War House record}}
 
{{Iraq War House record}}
−
 
−
===Energy and environment===
 
−
''For more information on environmental legislation, see the [[Portal:Energy and Environment Policy (U.S.)|Energy and Environment Policy Portal]]''
 
  
 
====Clean Water Restoration Act====
 
====Clean Water Restoration Act====
Line 40: Line 35:
 
Oberstar was born September 10, 1934 in Chisholm, where he still lives today.  He received his B.A. at the College of St. Thomas (now the University of St. Thomas) in St. Paul. He also received a Master's degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, with further study at Laval University in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada and Georgetown University.  He spent four years as a civilian language teacher in the United States Marine Corps, teaching English to Haitian military personnel and French to American Marine officers and noncommissioned officers.
 
Oberstar was born September 10, 1934 in Chisholm, where he still lives today.  He received his B.A. at the College of St. Thomas (now the University of St. Thomas) in St. Paul. He also received a Master's degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, with further study at Laval University in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada and Georgetown University.  He spent four years as a civilian language teacher in the United States Marine Corps, teaching English to Haitian military personnel and French to American Marine officers and noncommissioned officers.
 
   
 
   
−
===Congressional Career===
+
===Congressional career===
 
Oberstar served as chief staff assistant to 8th District Congressman [[w:John Blatnik|John Blatnik]] for 12 years.  When Blatnik didn't run for reelection in 1974, he endorsed Oberstar as his successor.  Oberstar won handily in November and has been reelected 15 times without serious difficulty.  Although the 8th is not considered safe for either party, the Democrats--in the persons of Blatnik and Oberstar--have held the seat since 1947.  His lowest winning percentage was 59 percent in 1992, but since then has not earned less than 65 percent of the vote. He was elected to his 16th term in 2004, making him the longest serving member of either house of Congress in Minnesota's history.
 
Oberstar served as chief staff assistant to 8th District Congressman [[w:John Blatnik|John Blatnik]] for 12 years.  When Blatnik didn't run for reelection in 1974, he endorsed Oberstar as his successor.  Oberstar won handily in November and has been reelected 15 times without serious difficulty.  Although the 8th is not considered safe for either party, the Democrats--in the persons of Blatnik and Oberstar--have held the seat since 1947.  His lowest winning percentage was 59 percent in 1992, but since then has not earned less than 65 percent of the vote. He was elected to his 16th term in 2004, making him the longest serving member of either house of Congress in Minnesota's history.
  
−
====Positions and Views====
+
====Positions and views====
 
Oberstar is an internationally recognized expert on aviation and aviation safety.  He has served on the [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|Transportation and Infrastructure Committee]] since his first term, and is currently its ranking Democrat.  Blatnik had chaired the committee during his last two terms in Congress (when it was known as the Public Works Committee), with Oberstar served as staff administrator.  Oberstar was a member of the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (PCAST) which was set up in September 1989 to review and report on aviation security policy in the light of the sabotage of [[w:Pan Am Flight 103|Pan Am Flight 103]] on December 21, 1988.  An avid cyclist, Oberstar has been a champion of creating trails for cycling and hiking to promote healthy living and more active lifestyles.  In 2005 he authored and had passed the Safe Routes to Schools act, a $200 million program that helps school districts address the growing problem of childhood obesity by building biking and walking paths to schools, hiring crossing guards and promoting safety programs.
 
Oberstar is an internationally recognized expert on aviation and aviation safety.  He has served on the [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|Transportation and Infrastructure Committee]] since his first term, and is currently its ranking Democrat.  Blatnik had chaired the committee during his last two terms in Congress (when it was known as the Public Works Committee), with Oberstar served as staff administrator.  Oberstar was a member of the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (PCAST) which was set up in September 1989 to review and report on aviation security policy in the light of the sabotage of [[w:Pan Am Flight 103|Pan Am Flight 103]] on December 21, 1988.  An avid cyclist, Oberstar has been a champion of creating trails for cycling and hiking to promote healthy living and more active lifestyles.  In 2005 he authored and had passed the Safe Routes to Schools act, a $200 million program that helps school districts address the growing problem of childhood obesity by building biking and walking paths to schools, hiring crossing guards and promoting safety programs.
  
Line 50: Line 45:
 
====2006 elections====
 
====2006 elections====
 
In 2006, [[Republican Party|Republicans]] nominated [[Rod Grams]] to face Oberstar in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See [[U.S. congressional elections in 2006]]) [http://opensecrets.org/states/election.asp?State=AL&year=2006] Oberstar retained his seat.
 
In 2006, [[Republican Party|Republicans]] nominated [[Rod Grams]] to face Oberstar in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See [[U.S. congressional elections in 2006]]) [http://opensecrets.org/states/election.asp?State=AL&year=2006] Oberstar retained his seat.
 +
 +
====2010 elections====
 +
In 2010, Oberstar was defeated by Republican [[Chip Cravaack]].<ref name="WP"/>
  
 
==Money in politics==
 
==Money in politics==
Line 60: Line 58:
  
  
−
==Committees and Affiliations ==
+
==Committees and affiliations ==
 
===Committees===
 
===Committees===
 
* [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]] - '''Chair'''
 
* [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]] - '''Chair'''
Line 73: Line 71:
 
* [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]] - Ranking Minority Member
 
* [[House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]] - Ranking Minority Member
  
−
===Coalitions and Caucuses===
+
===Coalitions and caucuses===
 
* Bike Caucus
 
* Bike Caucus
 
* Caucus for Sustainable Development
 
* Caucus for Sustainable Development
Line 90: Line 88:
 
* Upper Mississippi Task Force
 
* Upper Mississippi Task Force
  
−
===Boards and other Affiliations===
+
===Boards and other affiliations===
 
* Board Member, Board of Trustees, Kennedy Center, 1995-present
 
* Board Member, Board of Trustees, Kennedy Center, 1995-present
 
* Board Member, Mineta I.I.STPS Institute, San Jose State, 1995-present.
 
* Board Member, Mineta I.I.STPS Institute, San Jose State, 1995-present.
  
−
==More Background Data==
 
−
{{congresspedia footer |
 
−
  cid=N00001806|
 
−
  can_id=H2100103 |
 
−
  wpid=o000006 |
 
−
  district=MN08
 
−
}}
 
 
{{wikipedia}}
 
{{wikipedia}}
  
−
==Contact==
+
==Articles and resources==
−
'''DC Office:'''<br>
 
−
2365 Rayburn House Office Building<br>
 
−
Washington, DC  20515-2308<br>
 
−
Phone: 202-225-6211<br>
 
−
Fax: 202-225-0699<br>
 
−
[http://wwwc.house.gov/oberstar/zipauth.htm Web Email]<br>
 
−
[http://www.house.gov/oberstar/ Website]<br>
 
−
 
 
−
'''District Office- Brainerd<br>
 
−
Brainerd City Hall<br>
 
−
501 Laurel Street<br>
 
−
Brainerd, MN  56401-3525<br>
 
−
Phone: 218-828-4400<br>
 
−
Fax: 218-828-1412<br>
 
−
 
 
−
'''District Office- Chisholm:'''<br>
 
−
Chisholm City Hall<br>
 
−
316 Lake Street<br>
 
−
Chisholm, MN  55719<br>
 
−
Phone: 218-254-5761<br>
 
−
Fax: 218-254-5132<br>
 
−
 
 
−
'''District Office- Duluth:'''<br>
 
−
Duluth Federal Building, Room 231<br>
 
−
Duluth, MN  55802<br>
 
−
Phone: 218-727-7474<br>
 
−
TTYD Number: 218-727-7474<br>
 
−
Fax: 218-727-8270<br>
 
−
 
 
−
'''District Office- North Branch:'''<br>
 
−
38625 14th Avenue, Suite 300B<br>
 
−
North Branch, MN  55056<br>
 
−
Phone: 651-277-1234<br>
 
−
Fax: 651-277-1235<br>
 
−
 
 
−
==Articles and Resources==
 
 
*[http://www.oberstar.house.gov/ Official website]
 
*[http://www.oberstar.house.gov/ Official website]
 
*[http://www.oberstar.org/ Campaign website]
 
*[http://www.oberstar.org/ Campaign website]
 
*[http://opensecrets.org/races/index.asp Open Secrets] - 2006 congressional races database
 
*[http://opensecrets.org/races/index.asp Open Secrets] - 2006 congressional races database
 +
 +
===References===
 +
<references/>
  
 
====Local blogs and discussion sites====
 
====Local blogs and discussion sites====
−
 
 
*''[http://centrisity.blogspot.com/ Centrisity]''
 
*''[http://centrisity.blogspot.com/ Centrisity]''
 
*''[http://www.mnpublius.com/ MN Publius.com]''
 
*''[http://www.mnpublius.com/ MN Publius.com]''
  
−
{{Congresspedia state|Minnesota|8|Oberstar, Jim}}
+
[[Category:Democratic Party (USA)]][[Category:Minnesota]]
−
[[Category:Congresspedia|Oberstar, Jim]]
 
−
[[Category:Members of U.S. House of Representatives|Oberstar, Jim]]
 
−
[[Category:Democratic Party (USA)]]
 
−
 
 
−
{{Politician
 
−
 
 
−
<!-- From Wikipedia: -->
 
−
 
 
−
| term_start = January 3, 1975
 
−
|term_end = <!--Not present for continuing MOCs-->
 
−
|otherparty =
 
−
 
 
−
<!-- From Cause Caller -->
 
−
 
 
−
|Birth=September 10, 1934
 
−
|First Elected=November 5, 1974
 
−
|Next Election=November 2, 2010
 
−
|110th Leadership=None
 
−
|Freshman=No
 
−
|Previous Political Work=None or Not Available
 
−
|110th Committee Membership=House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 
−
|Zip Code Affiliations=
 
−
 
 
−
<!-- NEW -->
 
−
 
 
−
|Current Office=U.S. House of Representatives
 
−
|110th Committee Chairs=
 
−
|110th Committee Ranking Member=
 
−
|111th Leadership=
 
−
|111th Committee Membership=
 
−
|111th Committee Chairs=
 
−
|111th Committee Ranking Member=
 
−
|111th Caucuses=
 
−
 
 
−
<!-- From Congresspedia -->
 
−
 
 
−
|110th Caucuses =Bike Caucus, Caucus for Sustainable Development, Congressional Human Rights Caucus, Congressional Steel Caucus, Co-Chair, Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, Democratic Homeland Security Task Force, Executive Committee, Democratic Study Group, Co-Chair, Great Lakes Task Force, House Democratic At-Large Whip, International Relations Committee (On Leave), Medical Technology Caucus, Mississippi River Caucus, Native American Caucus, Renewable Energy Caucus, Upper Mississippi Task Force
 
−
|District Office 1 Address=Brainerd City Hall, 501 Laurel Street, Brainerd, MN 56401-3525
 
−
|District Office 1 Phone=218-828-4400
 
−
|District Office 1 Fax=218-828-1412
 
−
|District Office 2 Address=Chisholm City Hall, 316 Lake Street, Chisholm, MN 55719
 
−
|District Office 2 Phone=218-254-5761
 
−
|District Office 2 Fax=218-254-5132
 
−
|District Office 3 Address=Duluth Federal Building, Room 231, Duluth, MN 55802
 
−
|District Office 3 Phone=218-727-7474, 218-727-7474
 
−
|District Office 3 Fax=218-727-8270
 
−
|District Office 4 Address=38625 14th Avenue, Suite 300B, North Branch, MN 55056
 
−
|District Office 4 Phone= 651-277-1234
 
−
|District Office 4 Fax=651-277-1235
 
−
|District Office 5 Address=
 
−
|District Office 5 Phone=
 
−
|District Office 5 Fax=
 
−
|District Office 6 Address=
 
−
|District Office 6 Phone=
 
−
|District Office 6 Fax=
 
−
|District Office 7 Address=
 
−
|District Office 7 Phone=
 
−
|District Office 7 Fax=
 
−
|District Office 8 Address=
 
−
|District Office 8 Phone=
 
−
|District Office 8 Fax=
 
−
|District Office 9 Address=
 
−
|District Office 9 Phone=
 
−
|District Office 9 Fax=
 
−
|Campaign E-mail=
 
−
|Campaign E-mail Link=
 
−
|Campaign Homepage=
 
−
|Campaign Office 1 Address=
 
−
|Campaign Office 1 Phone=
 
−
|Campaign Office 1 Fax=
 
−
|Campaign Office 2 Address=
 
−
|Campaign Office 2 Phone=
 
−
|Campaign Office 2 Fax=
 
−
|Campaign Office 3 Address=
 
−
|Campaign Office 3 Phone=
 
−
|Campaign Office 3 Fax=
 
−
|Campaign Office 4 Address=
 
−
|Campaign Office 4 Phone=
 
−
|Campaign Office 4 Fax=
 
−
|Campaign Office 5 Address=
 
−
|Campaign Office 5 Phone=
 
−
|Campaign Office 5 Fax=
 
−
 
 
−
}}
 

Latest revision as of 19:10, 15 January 2011

Jim Oberstar previously served the 8th Congressional district of Minnesota

James Louis Oberstar, a Democrat, is a former U.S. Representative for the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota, having served 1997 to 2011. The 8th district is based in Duluth and includes most of the northeastern part of the state.[1]

Record and controversies

General information about important bills and votes for can be found in Congresspedia's articles on legislation. You can add information you find on how Jim Oberstar voted by clicking the "[edit]" link to the right and typing it in. Remember to cite your sources!

National security and foreign policy

Iraq War

Oberstar voted against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.[2]

For more information see the chart of U.S. House of Representatives votes on the Iraq War.

Clean Water Restoration Act

On May 22, 2007, Oberstar introduced the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007, introduced during the 110th Congress, which sought to clarify the jurisdiction of the U.S. government over waters located in the country, largely for the purpose of dealing with water pollution.

Main article: Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007

Water Resources Development Act

On April 19, 2007, the House considered the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, which was sponsored by Oberstar. The bill would authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States.[3]

Main article: U.S. congressional actions to conserve and develop water resources#Water Resources Development Act of 2007

State water pollution funding

On January 30, 2007, Oberstar introduced a bill to amend the Clean Water Act to authorize appropriations to states for dealing with water pollution. The bill would effectively raise grant funds to $300 million for management assistance. Assistance grants would also be authorized to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of providing assistance to rural and small municipalities in planning, developing and acquiring financing for wastewater management infrastructure.[4]

On March 9, 2007, the House voted on a measure to provide consideration of the bill. It passed 229-179.

Main article: U.S. water management legislation#H.R.720 - To amend the Clean Water Act to authorize appropriations for state water pollution

Bio

Background

Oberstar was born September 10, 1934 in Chisholm, where he still lives today. He received his B.A. at the College of St. Thomas (now the University of St. Thomas) in St. Paul. He also received a Master's degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, with further study at Laval University in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada and Georgetown University. He spent four years as a civilian language teacher in the United States Marine Corps, teaching English to Haitian military personnel and French to American Marine officers and noncommissioned officers.

Congressional career

Oberstar served as chief staff assistant to 8th District Congressman John Blatnik for 12 years. When Blatnik didn't run for reelection in 1974, he endorsed Oberstar as his successor. Oberstar won handily in November and has been reelected 15 times without serious difficulty. Although the 8th is not considered safe for either party, the Democrats--in the persons of Blatnik and Oberstar--have held the seat since 1947. His lowest winning percentage was 59 percent in 1992, but since then has not earned less than 65 percent of the vote. He was elected to his 16th term in 2004, making him the longest serving member of either house of Congress in Minnesota's history.

Positions and views

Oberstar is an internationally recognized expert on aviation and aviation safety. He has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since his first term, and is currently its ranking Democrat. Blatnik had chaired the committee during his last two terms in Congress (when it was known as the Public Works Committee), with Oberstar served as staff administrator. Oberstar was a member of the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (PCAST) which was set up in September 1989 to review and report on aviation security policy in the light of the sabotage of Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21, 1988. An avid cyclist, Oberstar has been a champion of creating trails for cycling and hiking to promote healthy living and more active lifestyles. In 2005 he authored and had passed the Safe Routes to Schools act, a $200 million program that helps school districts address the growing problem of childhood obesity by building biking and walking paths to schools, hiring crossing guards and promoting safety programs.

Oberstar generally has a liberal voting record, but is pro-life on abortion and opposes gun control.

2006 elections

In 2006, Republicans nominated Rod Grams to face Oberstar in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) [1] Oberstar retained his seat.

2010 elections

In 2010, Oberstar was defeated by Republican Chip Cravaack.[1]

Money in politics

This section contains links to – and feeds from – money in politics databases. <crpcontribdata>cid=N00001806&cycle=2006</crpcontribdata>

Links to more campaign contribution information for Jim Oberstar
from the Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org site.
Fundraising profile: 2006 election cycle Career totals
Top contributors by organization/corporation: 2006 election cycle Career totals
Top contributors by industry: 2006 election cycle Career totals


Committees and affiliations

Committees

  • House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure - Chair
    • Subcommittee on Aviation -Ex Officio
    • Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation -Ex Officio
    • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management -Ex Officio
    • Subcommittee on Highways, Transit & Pipelines -Ex Officio
    • Subcommittee on Railroads -Ex Officio
    • Water Resources & Environment -Ex Officio

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

Coalitions and caucuses

  • Bike Caucus
  • Caucus for Sustainable Development
  • Congressional Human Rights Caucus
  • Congressional Steel Caucus
  • Co-Chair, Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus
  • Democratic Homeland Security Task Force
  • Executive Committee, Democratic Study Group
  • Co-Chair, Great Lakes Task Force
  • House Democratic At-Large Whip
  • International Relations Committee (On Leave)
  • Medical Technology Caucus
  • Mississippi River Caucus
  • Native American Caucus
  • Renewable Energy Caucus
  • Upper Mississippi Task Force

Boards and other affiliations

  • Board Member, Board of Trustees, Kennedy Center, 1995-present
  • Board Member, Mineta I.I.STPS Institute, San Jose State, 1995-present.

Wikipedia also has an article on Jim Oberstar. This article may use content from the Wikipedia article under the terms of the GFDL.

Articles and resources

References

  1. ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 James L. Oberstar profile, The Washington Post, accessed January 2011.
  2. ↑ Roll call vote, Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
  3. ↑ Robert McElroy, "Managing America: Environment and Resources," TheWeekInCongress, April 20, 2007.
  4. ↑ Robert McElroy, "Managing America: Environment & Resources," TheWeekInCongress.com, March 9, 2007.

Local blogs and discussion sites

Retrieved from "https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Jim_Oberstar&oldid=506945"