Robert W. Edgar
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| Robert William (Bob) Edgar | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 7th district |
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| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Lawrence G. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Curt Weldon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 29, 1943 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Annandale, Va.[1] |
| Alma mater | Drew University |
| Occupation | President and CEO of Common Cause |
| Religion | United Methodist |
Rev. Dr. Robert William (Bob) Edgar (born May 29, 1943) is president and CEO of Common Cause, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization, effective May 2007. He served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1987, representing the 7th district of Pennsylvania. Prior to his position as president and CEO of Common Cause, he came from the post of general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S. (NCC).
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[edit] Early life and education
Edgar was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Springfield, Pennsylvania.
He attended Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelor of arts degree, and then was ordained a minister after graduating with a master of divinity degree from the Theological School of Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. Received certificate in pastoral psychiatry, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., 1969. Served as United Protestant Chaplain of Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. 1971-1974 [1]
He holds four honorary doctoral degrees.[citation needed]
[edit] Congressional career
Edgar was the first Democrat in 36 years to represent the seventh congressional district of Pennsylvania, located primarily in Delaware County. Elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-fourth and to the five succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1975-January 3, 1987).[1]
Serving in the United States Congress from 1975 to 1987, Edgar led efforts to improve public transportation, authored the community Right to Know provisions of Super Fund legislation, co-authored the new G.I. Bill for the all-volunteer service, fought wasteful water projects and supported environmental goals.[citation needed] Among other appointments, he served as chair of the Congressional Clearinghouse on the Future (1982–86) and as a member of the House Select Committee on Assassinations (1976–78) that investigated the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and President John F. Kennedy.
Edgar ran for the United States Senate in 1986, defeating Democrat Auditor General Don Bailey, a former congressman from western Pennsylvania, in the primary, but losing in the general election to incumbent Republican Senator Arlen Specter by more than 12 percentage points. It is during this experience that led Edgar to become frustrated with political campaigning and money in politics, even taking a somewhat sympathetic and supportive stance on clean elections and campaign finance reform, which he dictated at the 2004 Democracy Matters Conference in Albany, New York.[citation needed]
Edgar served as special assistant to Rep. William H. Gray, III, 1988.[1]
[edit] Claremont School of Theology
In 1990, Edgar began a ten-year term of service as President of Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, California, a graduate-professional school related to the United Methodist Church and part of the Claremont educational consortium east of Los Angeles. He is credited with bringing the school from financial distress into a stable and successful period of growth.[by whom?][citation needed]
[edit] National Council of Churches
On January 1, 2000, Edgar took office at the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Under his leadership, the 50-year-old NCC began to reshape its mission, focusing its energies on major initiatives in the areas of overcoming poverty, protecting the natural environment, fostering interfaith understanding, and building international peace.[citation needed]
[edit] Additional positions
His career has also included pastorates at United Methodist congregations and stints as a teacher, college chaplain, community organizer, and director of a think tank on national security issues.
Edgar has served on the boards of several organizations, including Independent Sector, the National Coalition for Health Care, and the National Religious Partnership for the Environment. He has also served on the board of directors of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, an independent, non-profit organization that is a principal resource for Congress on environmental and energy issues.
He is an endorser of the Genocide Intervention Network.[clarification needed]
[edit] Honors and awards
Edgar has been recognized by national organizations for his work, including by the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and the National Taxpayers Union.[clarification needed][citation needed]
[edit] References
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| United States House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Lawrence G. Williams |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district 1975–1987 |
Succeeded by Curt Weldon |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Peter Flaherty |
Democratic nominee for United States Senator from Pennsylvania (Class 3) 1986 |
Succeeded by Lynn Yeakel |
