Biographical Profile for John Kerry
| Previous Candidate for U.S. Senate, Massachusetts |
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General: (political statement of goals, objectives, views, philosophies)
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In 1994, Kerry was elected to the United States Senate and he has won reelection three-times since. He is now serving his fourth term, after winning again in 2002 by the largest margin in Massachusetts history.
John Kerry entered the Senate with a reputation as a man of conviction. He confirmed that reputation by taking bold decisions on important issues. He helped provide health insurance for millions of low-income children. He has fought to improve public education, protect our natural environment, and strengthen our economy. He has been praised as one of the leading environmentalists in the Senate, who stopped President Bush's plan to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
John Kerry has never forgotten the lessons he learned as a young man -- lessons that have been strengthened in his 19 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He has learned that America needs the strongest military on the face of the earth -- and that America should lead other countries to achieve our goals and the world's common goals. From his ground-breaking work on the Iran-Contra scandal to his leadership on global AIDS, John Kerry has distinguished himself as one of our nation's most respected voices on national security and international affairs.
John Kerry compiled an impressive record of accomplishment during his career in the United States Senate. During his two decades of service, he fought for fiscal discipline, expanded children's health care, fought to put 100,000 more cops on America's streets, and worked with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) to investigate the fate of American POW/MIAs and help soldiers suffering from exposure to Agent Orange.
As chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, John Kerry stood up for Americans who own and work for small businesses and fought for a level playing field in today's competitive global economy. In 19 years of service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - including a term as chairman of the Subcommittee on [Response was truncated to maximum response length of 2000 characters.]
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Personal: (gender, age, marital status, spouse's name and age, children's name and
ages, home town, current residence)
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John Kerry was born on December 11, 1943 at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. In his life of public service, John Kerry is sustained by his loving family. He is married to Teresa Heinz Kerry, and they have a blended family that includes two daughters, three sons, one grandchild, and a German Shepherd.
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Education: (times and places of schools, colleges, major, degrees, activities, sports)
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Yale University
Boston College Law School - 1976
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Profession: (profession and work experience outside politics)
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1976 - John Kerry went to work as a top prosecutor in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
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Military: (branch, years of service, active duty experience, highest rank, medals,
honors, discharge date and type)
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John Kerry volunteered to serve in Vietnam, because, as he later said, "it was the right thing to do." He believed that "to whom much is given, much is required." And he felt he had an obligation to give something back to his country. John Kerry served two tours of duty. On his second tour, he volunteered to serve on a Swift Boat in the river deltas, one of the most dangerous assignments of the war. For his leadership, courage, and sacrifice under fire, he was decorated with a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V, and three Purple Hearts.
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Civic: (past and present organizations, charities involvement)
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Kerry has a lifelong fight for his fellow veterans -- joining with other vets to found the Vietnam Veterans of America to fight for veterans' benefits, for extension of the G.I. Bill for Higher Education, and for treatment of PTSD.
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Political: (dates and titles of previously held political offices)
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John Kerry was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1982.
In 2003, John Kerry announced that he would be a candidate for president of the United States -- and he went on to mount a come from behind campaign that won the Democratic nomination.
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Religion: (current and past religious affiliations, beliefs)
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Senator Kerry's parents taught him the values of service and responsibility and the blessings of his Catholic faith, lessons he carries with him to this day.
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Accomplishments: (significant accomplishments, awards, achievements)
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In 1994, Kerry was elected to the United States Senate and he has won reelection three-times since. He is now serving his fourth term, after winning again in 2002 by the largest margin in Massachusetts history.
In 2003, John Kerry announced that he would be a candidate for president of the United States -- and he went on to mount a come from behind campaign that won the Democratic nomination.
As chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, John Kerry stood up for Americans who own and work for small businesses and fought for a level playing field in today's competitive global economy. In 19 years of service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - including a term as chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Narcotics and International Operations - John Kerry distinguished himself as one of our nation's most respected experts on national security issues and a leader in fighting terrorism and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
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