Robert Aderholt

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Robert Aderholdt

United States Representative from Alabama's 4th district
In office 1997 - Present
Preceded by	Tom Bevill
Succeeded by	Incumbent

Born	July 22, 1965 Haleyville, Alabama
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Caroline Aderholt
Religion	Congregationalist

Robert Aderholt (born July 22, 1965), is American politician and a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1997, representing the 4th Congressional District of Alabama.

1 Life and political career
2 House record
3 Committees and subcommittees
4 Electoral history
5 Group ratings (2004)
6 External links

[edit] Life and political career

Aderholt is from Winston County, the one ancestrally Republican county in northern Alabama which opposed secession in the Civil War. Aderholt's father, Bobby, a part-time minister for a small group of Congregational churches in northwest Alabama, was a circuit judge for more than 30 years, and his wife's father was a state commissioner and senator. He was educated at Birmingham-Southern College and Samford University, and left university to practice as a lawyer. In 1992, Aderholt was appointed Haleyville munincipal judge, and in 1995 become the top aide to Governor Fob James. With that experience, he ran to replace Tom Bevill who retired from Congress in 1996.

As the Republican nominee, Aderholt faced a considerable challenge against State Senator Bob Wilson Jr., who called himself a Democrat "in the Tom Bevill tradition". In a culturally conservative district, Aderholt didn't hedge on cultural issues. This was a seriously contested district, receiving a deal of national coverage and significant support from the Republican National Party. Newt Gingrich personally visited the district during the campaign. Aderholt won narrowly 50%-48%.

Aderholt is married to the former Caroline McDonald. They have two children. The Aderholts make their residence in Haleyville.

[edit] House record

Robert Aderholt's political orientation based on voting record

Aderholt's voting record is generally conservative, however his vote on economic issues has been generally based on the concerns of his district rather than an overarching ideology. He has been notable in his support of quotas on steel imports and sponsored a bill assessing additional antidumping duties on foreign steel in 1999. He reached out further to industrial unions with his vote against PNTR with China. Aderholt's most notable success has been the continued protection of the sock industry, based out of Fort Payne, Alabama. He voted against the free trade agreements with Chile, Morocco, and Singapore, but supported the US-Australia FTA.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Aderholt has secured a significant amount of highway and sewer funding for the 4th District. Aderholt has also been vocal on social issues, particularly his opposition to the removal of the 10 Commandments from public display and the provision of the morning-after pill at local clinics. Aderholt has somewhat successfully converted this once swing seat into a Republican bastion of the south.

[edit] Committees and subcommittees

House Committee on Appropriations (21st of 37)
- Subcommittee on Interior, Environment & Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, Veterans Affairs & Related Agencies (Vice Chairman)
- Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, HUD, the Judiciary & District of Columbia