Background: Born in Texas (but also lived in Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Oregon).

Political Background: Republican Precinct Chairman (1990-1994 and 1996-present). Republican County Chairman (1994-1996). Republican Delegate to the National Republican Convention (1996). Texas State Platform Committee, Subcommittee Chairman on Economic Issues (2000).

Favorite Quote:

"In that instrument [the U.S. Constitution] we have laid down the law [via the 13th Amendment], now and forever, that there shall be no slavery or involuntary servitude in this republic, except for crime."

Frederick Douglass (1817 - 1895)

Favorite Books: The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, An Autobiography; The Federalist Papers; Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville