Mike Sodrel
Michael E. 'Mike' Sodrel (born December 17, 1945) is a United States Representative from Indiana's 9th Congressional district (see map). He was elected in 2004 defeating incumbent Baron Hill in a rematch of their 2002 race.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, although he calls New Albany, Indiana home. He is married to Keta Sodrel and has two children.
Before being elected to the Congress, Sodrel served in the Indiana National Guard from 1966 - 1973. He formerly owned a trucking, shipping and motor coach company, but has never held any other political office.
Sodrel, a self-made millionaire, campaigned on a platform of jobs, taxes and values, driving his own 18-wheeler on the campaign trail. He is considered a staunch Republican, and has spoken of his desire to permanently repeal the inheritance tax and the marriage penalty.
Sodrel faces a rematch with former Congressman Baron Hill in the 2006 mid-term election. The Cook Political Report, an independent non-partisan newsletter, rates the race as a toss-up. [1]