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Jim Oberstar, biographical information

Last update: April 19, 2008 - 5:24 PM

Born: Chisholm, Minn., Sept. 10, 1934

Family: Married Jo Garlick, Oct. 10, 1963 (she died in July 1991); married Jean Kurth, Nov. 27, 1993. Six children.

In Congress: Elected to U.S. House, November 1974, now serving 17th term; current chairman of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Prior career: 1963-75, chief staff assistant to U.S. Rep. John Blatnik, Eighth District; civilian, 1959-63: taught English to Haitian military personnel, and French and Creole to U.S. Marine Corps officers and NCOs.

Education: B.A., French/political science, Summa Cum Laude, College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, 1956; M.A., Program of European Studies, College of Europe, Belgium, 1957.

Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

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