Dennis Richardson
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Oregon State Representative Dennis Richardson (R-Central Point) is serving in his second term in the House, representing House District 4 which includes portions of Jackson and Josephine Counties. He is currently serving as Speaker Pro Tempore.
Dennis Richardson was first elected in 2002 defeating incumbent (and fellow Republican) Cheryl Walker in a contentious race. Richardson was involved in reforming the state employee retirement system (PERS) during the 72nd Legislative Session. During the 73rd Legislative Session he was elected Speaker Pro Tempore and was an opponent of Senate Bill 1000 which would have allowed Civil Unions of Same-Sex couples. He debated this issue with Connecticut State Senator Andrew McDonald (D-Samford) on MSNBC's political talkshow "Hardball" on April 26, 2005. He was reelected to the 74th Legislative Assembly on November 7, 2006 and was selected to be the Minority Whip during the 74th Legislative Session.
Richardson has lead 3 trade missions to the People's Republic of China. The State of Oregon has an official sister state relationship with the Fujian Province.
[edit] Personal
Born in Los Angeles, Richardson volunteered for the US Army where he was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. After his military service he married his wife in 1973. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and earned his J.D. as a member of the charter class of the J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1976. He has practiced law in Central Point since that time. He and his wife Cathy have 8 daughters and 1 son.
