WhoRunsGov

John Boozman (R-Ark.)

U.S. Senator (since January 2011)

Get updates:

(Facebook page)

Why He Matters

Though Boozman needed prodding from national and state Republicans to challenge Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) in 2010, he embraced his role as a foil to the Democratic agenda and won in the November general election.

"We are going to run an aggressive campaign making the distinctions clear on Obamacare, card check, cap-and-trade, job-killing stimulus legislation and the tax-and-spend initiatives that continue to plunge our nation further into enormous debt," he stated during the campaign.

Read more

Photos

Obama speaks at National Prayer Breakfast

(Susan Walsh / AP)

The president and the first lady attended the 60th annual National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton.

View photos

Article

Marco Rubio, Orrin Hatch drop PIPA support as Wikipedia, Google protest online piracy legislation

Support in Congress for SOPA and PIPA, two bills designed to combat Internet piracy, dipped Wednesday after protests against the legislation by Google and Wikipedia among other companies increased pressure on lawmakers.

Article

Senators drop support of piracy bill after protests

Support for two online piracy bills in Congress appeared to wane Wednesday after opponents of the legislation staged a dramatic protest in which vast swaths of the Web effectively went dark.

 
 

At a Glance

  • Career History: U.S. Representative (November 2001-January 2011), Optometrist (1977-2001)
  • Birthday: December 10, 1950
  • Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
  • Alma Mater: Southern College of Optometry, O.D., 1977; University of Arkansas, 1972
  • Spouse: Cathy
  • Religion: Baptist
  • Committees: Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry ; Environment and Public Works ; Commerce, Science and Transportation ; Veterans' Affairs
  • DC Office: 1 Russell CourtyardWashington DC, 20510Phone: 202-224-4843
  • State Offices: Lowell Office213 West MonroeSuite NLowell, AR 72745Phone: (479) 725-0400
  • Web site
  • YouTube
 

Path to Power

Born in 1950 in Shreveport, La., Boozman was the second of three children raised by an Air Force master sergeant who moved his family around often. When Boozman's family retired, the family settled in Fort Smith, Ark., where the children attended high school.

While he was one of the smallest kids among his peers early in his life, Boozman hit a growth spurt in junior high school, setting him up to become a high-school football star. He earned a scholarship to play offensive tackle for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Read more

 

The Issues

Though Boozman ranked among the most reliable conservatives in the House, he has broken with Republicans on occasion.

A member of the House's Cuba Working Group, Boozman has advocated for ending the trade embargo with Cuba, a step that would help Arkansas farmers.

Read more

 

The Network

Boozman is closely connected with former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.), who endorsed Boozman during the 2001 special House primary. Huckabee's daughter, Sarah Huckabee, ran the early parts of Boozman's Senate campaign.

Boozman is a friend of Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who headlined a fundraiser for Boozman's Senate bid.

 

Additional Resources

  1. Daniels, Alex, "House approves bills on veterans' services" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 21, 2008
  2. "Immigration" John Boozman for U.S. Senate
  3. Almanac of American Politics
  4. Thompson, Doug, "Boozman win cements seat as Republican Big locally, Democrats extend losing streak congressionally" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Nov. 22, 2001
  5. Blomeley, Seth, "Boozman: Yes, name on tax bill" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Aug. 26, 2010
  6. DeMillo, Andrew, "Thune says he's focused on midterms, not 2012 presidential bid" The Associated Press, Aug. 24, 2010
  7. Dewan, Shaila, "In Arkansas, Battle Over, It Is Time for Another" The New York Times, June 10, 2010
  8. Fullerton, Jane, "Arkansas delegation is of 2 minds on war strategy" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Dec. 2, 2009
  9. <daniels,>Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, June 10, 2010
  10. Kellams, Laura, "Boozman predicts end to Cuba trade embargo" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Aug. 27, 2002
  11. Simmons, Bill, "Lincoln: Rival `all talk' on jobs Boozman spokesman says senator's attack `misses the mark'" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, July 17, 2010
  12. "Boozman: English the common thread" May 2, 2007
  13. "Decision 2010: Arkansas results," November 2, 2010
  14. "The campaign for Senate And why we're for John Boozman in the GOP primary" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 16, 2010
  15. "Boozman Signs Repeal Pledge As Obama Signs Off On Government Takeover of Health Care" March 23, 2010
  16. Thompson, Doug, "Boozman garners governor's support" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Oct. 15, 2001
  17. Fullerton, Jane, "Alter health care piecemeal, state delegation says" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Feb. 26, 2010
  18. Bowden, Bill, "Boozman fends off 7 by explaining his votes" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, April 18, 2010
  19. Blomeley, Seth, "Boozman vanquishes his GOP rivals" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 19, 2010
  20. "Sen. Lincoln says Boozman wants to privatize Social Security." PolitiFact, Aug. 19, 2010
  21. "Boozman has town halls" by joe shmo www.arknews.comn
  22. Kellams, Laura, "Boozman's approach is to help 'by listening'" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Oct. 17, 2004
  23. "Minority Leader Says Arkansas Candidate John Boozman Would Change Senate" The Associated Press, July 2010
  24. Lyon, John, "Senate Minority Leader Pledges Seat To Boozman On Ag Panel" Arkansas News Bureau, July 7, 2010