Biography:

Richard H. Baker was born in New Orleans, and resides in Baton Rouge, La. He received a bachelor's degree in political science from Louisiana State University in 1971.

He has a real estate business and was president of the Central Louisiana Area Homebuilders Association. He served 14 years in the Louisiana House, from 1972 until 1986,and became chairman of the transportation committee.

He was first elected to the U.S. House in 1986.

Baker and his wife, Kay, have two children.

Past Campaigns:

Richard Baker was elected to the U.S. House in 1986 with 51 percent of the vote, defeating Democrats Thomas H. Hudson and Willis E. Blackwell.

He was re-elected to two consecutive terms, winning in 1990 without opposition. He defeated Republican Clyde Holloway in 1992 with 51 percent of the vote.

He was re-elected in 1994, defeating Democrat Darryl Paul Ward with 81 percent of the vote. In 1996, Baker defeated Democrat Steve Myers with 69 percent of the vote.

He narrowly won re-election in 1998, squeaking past Democratic challenger, Marjorie McKeithen, by 2,000 votes out of 190,000 cast.

In 2000, he won re-election with 68 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 2002 with 84 percent.

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