Tom Daschle

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Tom Daschle

Name	Tom Daschle
Birth name
Birth date	December 9, 1947
Birth place	Aberdeen, South Dakota, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician, Lobbyist
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Linda Hall Daschle
Website

Thomas Andrew Daschle (born December 9, 1947) is an American politician and lobbyist who served as a United States Senator from South Dakota from 1987 to 2005. He was the Senate Majority Leader from 2001 to 2003 and the Senate Minority Leader from 1995 to 2001 and again from 2003 to 2005. Daschle was a member of the Democratic Party.

Early Life and Education

Tom Daschle was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Elizabeth B. and Sebastian C. Daschle. He is of German descent. Daschle attended South Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1969. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer with the Strategic Air Command until 1972.

Political Career

U.S. House of Representatives

Daschle began his political career in 1978 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives representing South Dakota's at-large congressional district. He served four terms in the House from 1979 to 1987.

U.S. Senate

In 1986, Daschle was elected to the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Republican James Abdnor. He was re-elected in 1992 and 1998. During his time in the Senate, Daschle became a prominent figure in the Democratic Party.

Senate Leadership

Daschle was elected Senate Minority Leader in 1994, a position he held until 2001 when he became the Senate Majority Leader following the defection of Senator Jim Jeffords from the Republican Party. As Majority Leader, Daschle played a key role in the passage of significant legislation, including the No Child Left Behind Act and the Homeland Security Act.

2004 Senate Election

In the 2004 election, Daschle was defeated by Republican candidate John Thune. His defeat marked the first time a Senate party leader had lost a re-election bid since 1952.

Post-Senate Career

After leaving the Senate, Daschle joined the law firm Alston & Bird as a special policy advisor. He also became a prominent lobbyist and was involved in various health care initiatives. In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Daschle to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, but he withdrew his nomination due to controversy over unpaid taxes.

Personal Life

Daschle is married to Linda Hall Daschle, a former Federal Aviation Administration official. They have three children. Daschle has been involved in various philanthropic activities and serves on the boards of several organizations.

Also see

• United States Senate
• Democratic Party (United States)
• John Thune
• Jim Jeffords
• No Child Left Behind Act
• Homeland Security Act