Bob Etheridge

Bobby Ray "Bob" Etheridge (born August 7, 1941) is a former U.S. Representative to the second congressional district of North Carolina, serving from 1997 until his defeat in 2011. He is also a former district commissioner, state representative and state inspectors. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is currently a candidate for Governor of North Carolina.


Early life, education, and early career

Born in Sampson County, North Carolina, Etheridge attended the Cleveland School and is a prominent high school basketball. He attended Campbell University on an athletic scholarship and became the first member of his family to earn a diploma when he received a business degree in 1965. He later served in U.S. Army 1965-1967 . He also did graduate work in economics. Etheridge is also a part-time tobacco farmer and owner of a hardware store.

Early political career

Etheridge began his political career as commissioner of Harnett in 1973 until 1976. He was then elected in 1978 to the North Carolina House of Representatives, and served two terms (1979-1988) and rose to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Having earned a reputation for a strong stance on education issues, he was elected in 1988 and served two terms (1989-1996) as North Carolina Supervisor of Public Instruction.


U. S. House of Representatives

Election
1996
Ethridge ran for the 2nd congressional district and defeated the ruler of North Carolina Republican Congressman David Funderburk 53% -46%.
1998
He won reelection to a second term with 57% of the vote.
2000
He won reelection to a third term with 58% of the vote.
2002-2008
During this period, he never won re-election with less than 65% of the vote.
2010
See also: United States House of Representatives election in North Carolina, 2010 District # 2 *
Etheridge was challenged by Republican nominee Renee Ellmers and Libertarian candidate Tom Rose. Ellmers defeated Etheridge 49.5% -48.7%. Etheridge contested the results and ask for a recount of votes. On 19 November 2010, the State Board of Elections director Gary Bartlett confirmed Ellmers won by about 1483 votes (0.8% margin). On that day, Etheridge acknowledged the election

Term of office

Etheridge previously served on the Agriculture and Homeland Security committees. He has focused on agricultural issues, [educational matters, and provide a balanced budget.

Alternative Energy

In 2006, Etheridge joined U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth in proposing an increase in research and development of biofuels to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Health Care Reform

Etheridge chose to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act in November 2009 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.