John M. Spratt, Jr.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| John Spratt | |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1983– |
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| Preceded by | Ken Holland |
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| Succeeded by | Incumbent |
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| Born | November 01, 1942 (age 64) Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jane Stacy Spratt |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
John McKee Spratt, Jr. (born November 1, 1942), American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1983, representing the 5th District of South Carolina (map). Spratt currently serves as Assistant to the Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, in which capacity he “…oversees the coordination of policy, communication, and research for the Democratic Leadership[1].” Spratt’s district covers all or part of fourteen mostly rural counties in north-central South Carolina, including the cities of Hartsville, Lancaster, and Rock Hill.
Spratt currently serves as Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Budget and sits on the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services.
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[edit] Early life and career
Spratt was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but grew up in York, South Carolina, where he still resides. After graduating from York High School, Spratt earned a BA in history from Davidson College in 1964. He served as student body president at both schools. Spratt later earned his MA from Oxford University in 1966 while studying on a Marshall Scholarship. He graduated from Yale Law School in 1969. Spratt was a captain in the Army from 1969-1971, earning the Meritorious Service Medal[2].
Spratt returned to York in 1971 to practice at the law firm of Spratt, McKeown, and Spratt. He served as both county attorney and school board attorney, and as president of the Bank of Fort Mill. He also ran a small insurance agency and owned a farm in York.
[edit] Family and personal life
Spratt is the son of John McKee Spratt, Sr. and Jane Love Bratton. Spratt's father founded the Bank of Fort Mill and the York law firm where Spratt would eventually practice[3]. Spratt married the former Jane Stacy of Filbert, South Carolina. They have three daughters: Susan and Sarah, who are physicians, and Catherine, who is an attorney.
Spratt is a member of First Presbyterian Church in York, South Carolina. He has been active in the United Way and other civic and charity organizations.
[edit] Politics
Spratt became active in Democratic politics at an early age, and was elected delegate to the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Spratt was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1982, and has been re-elected every two years since then. He was challenged in the 2006 election by Republican Ralph Norman, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and real estate developer from Rock Hill. However, Spratt defeated Norman for a thirteenth term by 57%-43%.
Spratt may be considered a liberal-leaning populist, falling in the moderate to conservative ranks of the Democratic Party[4]. Spratt's voting record varies on many issues; for two consecutive sessions of Congress, Spratt voted with the positions of the ACLU 50% of the time[5].[6] During the 109th Congress, Spratt voted in favor of lifting restrictions on federal funding support for stem cell research; building a fence along the southwestern U.S. border to deter illegal immigration; a Constitutional amendment to prohibit flag desecration; and restrictions on the interrogation techniques which the U.S. military could use against detainees. He voted against extending the Bush Administration's tax cuts, an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, and giving federal courts jurisdiction in the Terri Schiavo case. [7]
[edit] External links
- U.S. Representative John Spratt official House site
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Federal Election Commission - John M Spratt Jr campaign finance reports and data
- On the Issues - John Spratt issue positions and quotes
- OpenSecrets.org - John M. Spratt Jr. campaign contributions
- Project Vote Smart - Representative John Spratt Jr. (SC) profile
- SourceWatch Congresspedia - John Spratt profile
- Washington Post - Congress Votes Database: John Spratt voting record
- John Spratt for Congress official campaign site
| Preceded by Kenneth Lamar Holland |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 5th congressional district 1983 – present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| South Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress |
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| Senators: Lindsey Graham (R), Jim DeMint (R)
Representative(s): Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R), Joe Wilson (R), J. Gresham Barrett (R), Bob Inglis (R), John M. Spratt, Jr. (D), Jim Clyburn (D) All delegations: Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming — American Samoa • District of Columbia • Guam • Puerto Rico • U.S. Virgin Islands |
