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Michael Schwartz

Chief of Staff to Sen. Tom Coburn (since January 2005)

Why He Matters

Sen. Coburn and Schwartz, his top aide, are bound to be influential figures in the fight over the future of the Republican Party. Both men have proven their conservative bona fides over the years and are likely to resist attempts to moderate the party's platform.

Coburn could assume a prominent leadership role in the 112th Congress and will continue to be a vocal proponent of fiscal and social conservatism.

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Corrections?
 

At a Glance

  • Career History: Vice president of government relations, Concerned Women for America (2000 to 2004); Chief of Staff, Rep. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) (... to 2000); House Family Caucus, executive director (1995 to ...)
  • Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
  • DC Office: 172 Russell Senate Office Building, 202-224-5754
 

Path to Power

Schwartz grew up in inner city Philadelphia in what he has described as a troubled home. "My own family had all the social pathologies-drug abuse, welfare dependency, illegitimacy-and I've seen how public policy makes it more difficult," he told the National Journal in 1996. His parents divorced when he was young, and Schwartz credits Catholic school for helping him get his life on track.

Schwartz began his ascent in the conservative movement with the anti-abortion rights group Operation Rescue, where he worked as an organizer in the early 1980s. From there, Schwartz moved to a position at the Free Congress Foundation in Washington, an influential conservative think tank founded by Republican strategist Paul Weyrich. Schwartz served as director of the organization's Center for Social Policy and co-authored "Gay, AIDS and You," with The Rev. Enrique Rueda in 1987. When Weyrich decided to launch "National Empowerment Television" in 1992, an interactive satellite program aimed at mobilizing conservative activists, Schwartz co-hosted one of the programs with him.

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The Issues

Schwartz is a veteran of the conservative movement who has worked on issues such as abortion, judicial appointments, gay marriage, stem cell research, AIDS, earmarks and assisted suicide. He stirred up controversy in 2005 when he said he favored "mass impeachment" of judges who overstep their authority on issues such as abortion.Coburn distanced himself from the statement, saying it didn't represent his views.

Homosexuality

Schwartz made headlines in September 2009 when he addressed the Values Voters summit and said that pornography could urge young people to become homosexuals.

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The Network

Schwartz is well-connected within the conservative community in Washington. Schwartz worked at the Free Congress Foundation with Weyrich and served as vice president for government relations at Beverly LaHaye's Concerned Women for America. But he is probably closest to his boss: Coburn.

 

Additional Resources

  1. Blumenthal, Max, "The Many Faces of Dr. Coburn," The Nation, September 15, 2005
  2. Weigel, Dave, The Washington Independent, 'All Pornography is Homosexual Pornography,' Sept. 20, 2009
  3. Hulse, Carl and David R. Kirkpatrick, "Delay Says federal Judiciary Has 'Run Amok,' Adding Congress Is Partly to Blame," The New York Times, April 8, 2005
  4. Tulsa World, "Political Notebook," Sept. 26, 2004
  5. Cooper, Richard T. and Neuman, Johanna, "They Won't Stand on Common Ground," The Los Angeles Times, December 27, 2004
  6. Jacobson, Louis, "Staff Profile: Michael Schwartz," The National Journal, January 6, 1996
  7. "Coburn Says Aide's Comments About Judges Inappropriate," The Associated Press, April 13, 2005
  8. Gergen, David, "The Dawn of Satellite Politics," U.S. News & World Report, May 4, 1992
  9. Barnes,James A., "Ready on the Right," The National Journal, January 25, 1997
  10. Casteel, Chris, "Coburn Saying Little About Senate Plans," The Oklahoman, November 16, 2004
  11. "Respected Pro-Family Leader Joins Concerned Women for America as Vice President for Government Relations," U.S. Newswire, December 11, 2000