Robert Russell Whittaker (born September 18, 1939) is an American medical professional and former six-term U.S. Representative from Kansas, serving from 1979 to 1991.
Bob Whittaker | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's 5th district | |
| In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1991 | |
| Preceded by | Joe Skubitz |
| Succeeded by | Dick Nichols |
| Member of the Kansas House of Representatives from the 77th district | |
| In office 1975-1977 | |
| Preceded by | Newt Male |
| Succeeded by | Kenneth King |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Russell Whittaker September 18, 1939 Eureka, Kansas |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | University of Kansas Emporia State University |
| Profession | optometrist |
Early life
editWhittaker was born in Eureka, Kansas and was educated in the Greenwood County public schools. He attended the University of Kansas from 1957 to 1959, and Emporia State University during the summer of 1959.[1] Whittaker earned his Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) from Illinois College of Optometry in 1962, and began practice as an optometrist. He was clinic director for the Kansas Low Vision Clinic in 1973.
Political career
editWhittaker's first foray into politics was as precinct committeeman and member of the city planning commission from 1970 to 1974. He served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1974 to 1977.
Congress
editWhittaker was elected as a Republican to the Ninety-sixth and to the five succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1991).[2] He was not a candidate for renomination in 1990 to the One Hundred Second Congress.
Later career
editAfter leaving Congress, he was hired as a senior legislative analyst at the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying and public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard.[3]
He is a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
References
edit- ^ "WHITTAKER, Robert Russell, (1939 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
- ^ "Rep. Robert Whittaker". govtrack.us. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
- ^ "Washington Post newsmakers column". Washington Post. April 1, 1991.
External links
edit- United States Congress. "Bob Whittaker (id: W000426)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Appearances on C-SPAN
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress