Robert Dold (R-Ill.)

U.S. Representative (since January 2011)

(2010 Dold campaign)

Why He Matters

In the 2010 elections, Dold ran successfully as a Republican to fill the Illinois 10th district seat that Republican Mark Kirk has vacated to run for the state's open Senate seat.

Dold serves as the president of his family's long-time business, Rose Pest Solutions, the oldest pest control company in the United States. He had no previous political experience running for the House in 2010.

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Background

At a Glance

Career History: President, Rose Pest Solutions (2003-2011); Business developer, Exodus Communications; Investigative Counsel, House Government Reform and Oversight Committee; Intern and advance man, Vice President Dan Quayle
Birthday: June 23, 1969
Hometown: Winnetka, Ill.
Alma Mater: Denison University, B.A., 1991; Indiana University, J.D., 1996; Northwestern Univeristy, M.B.A., 2000

Spouse: Danielle
Religion: Christian
Email
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Path To Power

Dold has a long history in the 10th district. His parents still live in the Winnetka home where Dold grew up. He graduated from New Trier High School, where he captained the wrestling and lacrosse teams and played quarterback for the football team.

His political career started at Denison College, where he served as the student-body president. While at Denison, Dold worked as an intern for Vice President Dan Quayle. After graduation, Dold took a full-time job with Quayle doing advance work for the Bush-Quayle reelection bid.

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The Issues

Dold refers to himself as a "fiscal conservative and a social moderate." Throughout the campaign, Dold has touted his familiarity with the challenges of running a small business and creating jobs. Dold said that Washington has lost touch with the needs of average Americans.

"When we talk to people across these communites the one thing they say is they don't think Washington is listening to their concerns," Dold said. "And that's certainly something we want to rectify."

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The Network

As a student at Denison, Dold got to know another Denison graduate, Sen. Richard Lugar. Dold, who has remained close with Lugar over the years, calls Indiana's senior senator a "mentor." Lugar has endorsed Dold for Congress.

Dold also received an endorsement from his former boss, Vice President Dan Quayle.

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Additional Resources