People in the news

Kathy Dahlkemper

Former U.S. Representative (January 2009 to January 2011)

(Dahlkemper House Web site)

Why She Matters

Dahlkemper brought no political experience to her longshot 2008 challenge to then-Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.). She told voters she was a "concerned citizen, not a career politician," but her moderate positions and a Democratic wave helped her defeat the seven-term incumbent in Pennsylvania's 3rd district.

In 2010, however, she lost her re-election race against Mike Kelly (R). (Follow results here.) House Democrats abandoned their TV support in the race's final weeks.

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Background

At a Glance

Career History: director, Lake Erie Arboretum (1998-2008); co-owner, Dahlkemper Landscaping (1997-2008)
Birthday: December 10, 1957
Hometown: Erie, Pa.
Alma Mater: Edinboro University, B.S. 1982
Spouse: Dan
Religion: Catholic