David Schweikert (R-Ariz.)

U.S. Representative (since January 2011)

(Facebook)

Why He Matters

In his third run for Congress, Schweikert unseated incumbent Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.) in the 2010 midterms after being called "the best chance for a Republican pickup of a congressional seat in Arizona."

The former county treasurer and state representative ran on a platform that touted fiscal responsibility and a tough stance on illegal immigration.

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Corrections?

News From Around The Web

The new nasty: Schweikert v. Quayle via Arizona Republic

AZ GOP candidate accuses rival of spying via ABC 15 Phoenix

2chambers

Congressional discourse getting dumber, study says

Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | Congress collectively speaks at almost a full grade-level lower than it did seven years ago, a new study finds.

News From Around The Web

Republican freshmen mail tab is over $9 mil via Arizona Republic

Mixed Messages From Capitol Hill on J.P. Morgan Loss via Wall Street Journal

House Republicans Blame Fed for Congress’s Lack of Action via Wall Street Journal

The Fix

Conservative groups confronting super PACs

(Bill O'Leary / WASHINGTON POST)

Rachel Weiner

On Wednesday, the Club for Growth sent a missive to the GOP establishment with a simple message: Butt out.

2chambers

Barney Frank sent to the congressional penalty box

(Kelvin Ma / BLOOMBERG)

Ed O'Keefe

After accusing Republicans of stealing an idea, he’s ordered not to speak on the floor for the rest of the day.

The Fix

Ron Paul: Hispanics used as ‘scapegoats’

(Julie Jacobson / AP)

Chris Cillizza

Ron Paul says immigrants get scapegoated, Rick Santorum is after Missouri, Mitt Romney is getting glittered, and Michele Bachmann is not endorsing.

Article

Gabrielle Giffords resigns from the House in emotional farewell

Felicia Sonmez

A year after that fateful day when a gunman opened fire at a Tucson “Congress On Your Corner” event, the gravely injured Arizona congresswoman steps down.

The Fix

2012 redistricting: Top 10 matchups between incumbents

(Ted S. Warren / AP)

Aaron Blake

Thanks to congressional redistricting, incumbents will be pitted against each other in races across the country. The Fix runs down the top 10 matchups to watch.

At a Glance

Career History: Owner, Sheridan Equities LLC; Maricopa County Treasurer (2004-2007); Chairman, Arizona State Board of Equalization (1995-2004); Representative, Arizona State House of Representatives (1991-94)
Birthday: March 3, 1962
Hometown: Scottsdale
Alma Mater: Arizona State University (B.A., 1985, MBA, 2005)
Spouse: Joyce
Committees: House Budget Committee
DC Office: 1205 Longworth House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515
State/District Office: 15749 E El Lago Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Path To Power

Schweikert earned his B.A. in finance and real estate from Arizona State University in 1985, then got an MBA from the school in 2005. In 2010, he and and his wife ran a real-estate business, Sheridan Equities LLC, out of Fountain Hills, Ariz.

Schweikert was elected to the Arizona House in 1990 and 1992, and was a committee chairman as a freshman and majority whip in his second term. In the state legislature, he sponsored the largest tax cut in Arizona history.

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The Issues

Schweikert has said his most important Congressional priorities would include reducing taxes on businesses and families, eliminating wasteful government spending -- particularly by not seeking earmarks for his district -- and slashing government's scope and size. "Controlling debt and spending must be a top priority in restoring fiscal responsibility to our great country," he said.

Schweikert is against President Obama's 2010 health-care reform bill and was one of the first federal candidates to sign a pledge to repeal the bill. He says cap-and-trade legislation "poses a real threat to our economy." He would support the overturning Roe v. Wade, a U.S. Supreme Court decision giving women the right to an abortion, and would support a federal amendment banning same-sex marriages.

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The Network

Schweikert has been endorsed by Sarah Palin.

In his 2008 House campaign, he was also endorsed by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitt Romney, Gov. Jan Brewer, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), among others.

Additional Resources