Rob Wittman
Rob Wittman | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 1st district | |
Assumed office December 11, 2007 | |
Preceded by | Jo Ann Davis |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 99th district | |
In office January 13, 2006 – December 11, 2007 | |
Preceded by | Albert C. Pollard |
Succeeded by | Albert C. Pollard |
Personal details | |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Kathryn Jane Sisson |
Residence | Montross, Virginia |
Alma mater | Virginia Tech, University of North Carolina, Virginia Commonwealth University |
Robert J. Wittman (born February 3, 1959) is currently the Republican representative of Virginia's 1st congressional district. The district stretches from the fringes of the Washington suburbs to the Hampton Roads area. It is nicknamed "America's First District" because the site of Jamestown is located there.[1]
Early life, education and career
Wittman grew up in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University as a member of the Corps of Cadets and Army ROTC. While at Virginia Tech, he spent the summers working at a tomato cannery and on a fishing vessel. He later earned a Master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph. D. from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Wittman worked for 20 years with the Virginia Department of Health. He served as an environmental health specialist and later was field director for the Division of Shellfish Sanitation.[2]
Wittman served on the Montross Town Council from 1986 to 1996 and as Mayor of the Town of Montross from 1992 to 1996. Two of his major accomplishments in this office were the overhaul of the sewage system and the development of a computerized system for tax billing. From 1996 to 2005, Wittman served on the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, the last two years as chairman. He helped with the creation of new libraries and pushed for raises in teacher salaries.
Virginia House of Delegates
In 2005, Wittman was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 99th district. He served on the Agricultural; Chesapeake and Natural Resources; and Police and Public Safety Committees while in the state House.
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee assignments
Political campaigns
2007
On December 11, 2007, Wittman was first elected to the United States Congress to succeed the late Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, who died in October 2007. He was heavily favored in the special election due to the 1st's heavy Republican bent; it has been in Republican hands since 1977.[3] The Independent Green candidate was Lucky Narain.
2008
Wittman was elected to his first full term on November 4, 2008.[4]
2010
Wittman is seeking reelection in 2010, facing Independent-Green candidate Gail Parker and Democrat Krystal Ball.
=Political positions
In 2010, Wittman stated platforms include strengthening the economy through cutting taxes, supporting small businesses, expanding broadband, and reigning in out-of-control spending.[5]
Wittman is the cosponsor of legislation that would place a 2-year moratorium on capital gains and dividends taxes, cut the payroll tax rate and the self-employed tax rate in half for two years, and reduce the lowest income brackets by 5% each. He also cites a the need to "cut the bureaucratic red-tape that stifles small businesses and innovation."[5]
Wittman has also cited support for "upholding our Constitution, keeping America safe at home and abroad (including support for veterans), restoring the environment, improving education, solving our transportation problems, working for energy independence, reforming healthcare, and fighting illegal immigration, and supporting homeowners affected by Chinese drywall."[5]
References
- ^ Jo Ann Davis
- ^ "About Rob". Rob Wittman. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
- ^ Giroux, Greg (December 11, 2007). "Republican Wittman Wins Virginia House Seat in Special Election". CQ Politics. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
- ^ "District Detail: VA-01". Congressional Quarterly. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
- ^ a b c http://www.robwittmanforcongress.com/on-the-issues.htm
External links
- Congressman Rob Wittman official U.S. House site
- Rob Wittman for U.S. Congress official campaign site
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Profile at Vote Smart
- 1959 births
- Living people
- Members of the Virginia House of Delegates
- Mayors of places in Virginia
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni
- Virginia Commonwealth University alumni
- Virginia Tech alumni
- Virginia Republicans
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia
- American Episcopalians
- Northern Virginia politicians
- People from Westmoreland County, Virginia