Wayne Allard

Wayne Allard, official photo portrait 2

Wayne Allard (born December 2, 1943) is an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Colorado. A member of the Republican Party, Allard was first elected to the Senate in 1996 and served two terms before retiring in 2009. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he represented Colorado's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997.

Early Life and Education

Wayne Allard was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, and grew up on a ranch in the nearby town of Walden. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 1968 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1970. After completing his education, Allard established a veterinary practice in Loveland, Colorado, where he worked for over two decades.

Political Career

House of Representatives

Allard's political career began in the Colorado State Senate, where he served from 1983 to 1991. He then moved to national politics, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990. During his three terms in the House, Allard was known for his conservative stance on fiscal and social issues, advocating for balanced budgets and welfare reform.

U.S. Senate

In 1996, Allard ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Hank Brown. He won the election and was re-elected in 2002. Throughout his Senate career, Allard focused on issues such as national defense, veterans' affairs, and natural resource management. He was a strong supporter of the Global War on Terrorism and played a significant role in legislation related to military and veterans' health care.

Allard announced in 2007 that he would not seek a third term, honoring his pledge to serve only two terms in the Senate. His retirement marked the end of a 16-year career in Congress.

Post-Congressional Career

After retiring from the Senate, Allard continued to be involved in politics and public service. He has worked as a lobbyist and consultant, and has been active in various civic and charitable organizations.

Legacy

Wayne Allard's tenure in Congress is marked by his commitment to conservative principles, particularly in the areas of fiscal responsibility and national security. His work on behalf of veterans and his efforts to protect Colorado's natural resources are among his most notable contributions.