Wayne Gilchrest

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Wayne Gilchrest
United States Representative from Maryland's 1st district
In office 1991-present
Preceded by	Roy Dyson
Succeeded by	Incumbent
Born	April 15, 1946 Rahway, New Jersey
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Barbara Gilchrest
Religion	Methodist

Wayne Thomas Gilchrest (born April 15, 1946) is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 1st Congressional district (map) of Maryland since 1991. The district includes the entire Eastern Shore and a few suburbs of Baltimore

[edit] Early life and education

Born in Rahway, New Jersey, Gilchrest was the fourth child of Elizabeth and Arthur Gilchrest's six boys. After graduating high school in 1964, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. His tour of duty saw action during the invasion of the Dominican Republic, and ultimately the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of Sergeant in Vietnam where, as a platoon leader, he was wounded in the chest. Wayne was decorated with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Navy Commendation Medal. Today he is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Rep. Gilchrest (second from left) and others join President George W. Bush for the signing of the North American Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Act.

In 1969, he studied liberal arts at Wesley College in Dover, Delaware, where he received an associate's degree. He then spent a semester in Kentucky studying rural poverty in Appalachia. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in history from Delaware State College in 1973. Since then, he has done some work towards a master's degree at Loyola College in Baltimore.

[edit] Congressional career

Gilchrest defeated 10-year 1st District Democratic incumbent Roy Dyson in 1990 and has been reelected seven times without significant opposition. During his tenure in Congress, Gilchrest has consistently voted in favor of fiscal conservatism and environmental protection, namely reducing federal spending and eliminating the deficit, protecting and preserving the delicate environment of the Chesapeake Bay region, and enhancing and encouraging economic development within the 1st District of Maryland.

Gilchrest's voting record is much more moderate than conventional wisdom would suggest for a district like the 1st. In addition to being much friendlier on environmental issues than is typical for Republicans, he is pro-choice on abortion, and supports a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. In 2002 his district was made more Republican through redistricting, and he has faced several primary challenges from more conservative Republicans (in 2002, David Fischer, in 2004, State Senator Rich Colburn). He has turned them back with little difficulty. Gilchrest is a member of many moderate to liberal groups such as the Republican Main Street Partnership, Republicans For Environmental Protection, Republicans For Choice, Christine Todd Whitman's IMP-PAC (Its My Party Too) and The Republican Majority For Choice. He is also the co-chariman of the Congressional Climate Change Caucus together with the democrat John Olver (1st MA).

Gilchrest is a cosponsor of legislation concerning District of Columbia voting rights, (HR 2043).

Gilchrest defeated Democratic opponent Jim Corwin in the 2006 Congressional race.

[edit] Committee assignments

As of May 2006, Rep. Gilchrest currently serves on the following House committees:

• Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans.
• Senior member of the House Resources Committee.
• Senior member of the House Transportation Committee.
• Member of the House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.
• Member of the Forests and Forests Health Subcommittee.
• Member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.
• Member of the House Science Committee.

[edit] Election history

[edit] References

• Official website biography of Gilchrest.
• This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Congressional Quarterly Voting and Elections Collection.

[edit] External links

• http://www.gilchrest.house.gov - Official Congressional website
• Voting record maintained by the Washington Post