| George Barker | |
|---|---|
| Barker in 2009 | |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 39rh district |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Jay O'Brien |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 24, 1951 Eldorado, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Jane |
| Children | Erik, Emily |
| Residence | Fairfax County, Virginia |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Profession | Health planner |
| Committees | Education and Health; General Laws and Technology; Privileges and Elections; Rehabilitation and Social Services |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Website | www.senatorbarker.com |
George Lincoln Barker (born August 24, 1951, in Eldorado, Illinois) is an American politician of the Democratic Party from Virginia. He currently serves in the Senate of Virginia, representing the 39th district, made up of parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties. He was first elected in November 2007.[1]
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Barker attended Harvard University, where he received an A.B. degree in Economics and Public Health and an M.A. degree in Health Policy and Management. He began a career in health systems planning with the Health Care Agency of Northern Virginia in the mid-1970s.[2]
In 1990 Barker became the chair of the newly formed Northern Virginia Perinatal Council. The following year, he became president of his homeowner's association. In 2001, he was appointed chair of the Fairfax County Transportation Advisory Commission.[2]
Barker and his wife, Jane, have two children, Erik and Emily. He was PTA president at both Robinson Secondary School (1992–94) and Mount Vernon High School (2000–01).[2]
Barker hosted two shows on Fairfax Public Access Television, Focus on Franconia and Spotlight on Springfield.[2]
Barker announced his candidacy in 2007 against incumbent Republican Jay O'Brien, who represented the 39th District, located in Fairfax County. On June 12, Barker defeated Greg J. Galligan in the Democratic primary, 2,585 to 1,641.[3]
O'Brien said that illegal immigration was one of the biggest issues of concern to district voters, proposing aggressive crackdowns. Barker said that voters in the district were more interested in issues such as transportation funding.[4] Barker defeated O'Brien in the general election on November 6, 19,282 votes to 19,131.[5][6]
In June 2011, the Fairfax Connection said that in the Senate, "Barker has been one of the most successful members in terms of getting legislation through the General Assembly. In the most recent session, for example, he was one of two members who were able to get 20 bills or more to the governor’s desk."[7]
In early 2010, O'Brien announced that he intended to run for the seat he had lost in 2007. Scott Martin, an assistant dean at George Mason University who ran unsuccessfully for a Fairfax County School Board seat in 2003, also announced he planned to seek the Republican nomination.[8] As of June 2011, O'Brien was no longer running, and Martin had been joined by two other Republican candidates, former Justice Department official Miller Baker and special-education assistant Andre Muange.[7] Muange also dropped out, and Baker defeated Martin 73%-27% in the August 23, 2011 primary.[9] The race is closely watched, as Barker is seen as vulnerable.[10] Outside Democratic and Republican party groups have dumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into the race for their respective candidates.[11]
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