Jim Jordan (Ohio politician)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jim Jordan

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 4th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 4, 2007–
Preceded by	Mike Oxley
Succeeded by	Incumbent

Born	February 17, 1964 (age 43) Urbana, Ohio
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Polly Jordan
Religion	Evangelical

James D. "Jim" Jordan (born February 17, 1964, Urbana, Ohio) is an American politician of the Republican party who serves as a U.S. Representative from the Fourth Congressional District of Ohio. He was first elected in 2006, defeating Democrat Rick Siferd 60% to 40%.

Jordan was born and raised in Champaign County, Ohio, and attended Graham High School, where he graduated in 1982. While at Graham, he was a four-time state wrestling champion with a career record of 150-1.

Jordan was first elected to the Ohio General Assembly in November 1994 and went on to serve three terms as State Representative of the 85th Ohio House District. In 1996, he offered an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill that limited the amount of time that an able-bodied individual could remain on welfare. He also created the Income Tax Reduction Fund, which required that any state revenue surpluses be used to lower the income tax burden on Ohioans rather than be used for further government spending.

In 2000, he won a seat in the Senate by defeating independent candidate Jack Kaffenberger of Rossburg, Ohio, by a vote of 88 percent to 12 percent. In 2004, Jordan defeated Kaffenberger again, this time by a smaller margin of 79 percent to 21 percent. In May, 2006, Jordan won the Republican primary race for the 4th Congressional district of Ohio. He also won a 100% lifetime rating from the Ohio Taxpayers Association, which endorsed Jordan in his bid for Congress. [1]

Jordan was named Watchdog of the Treasury (1996, 2000, 2004), Outstanding Legislator Award (2004), Outstanding Freshman Legislator (1996), Friend of the Taxpayer (1997), and Pro-Life Legislator of the Year (1998) by the United Conservatives of Ohio, the "Defender of Life" award from the Ohio Right To Life Society, and the 2001 Leadership in Government Award from the Ohio Roundtable and Freedom Forum. Additionally, Senate President Harris appointed Jordan to be the chairman of the Senate Judiciary on Criminal Justice Committee.

Jordan is a state member of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.

He has supported the Tax and Expenditure Limitation Amendment, a constitutional amendment that would require a vote of the people in order to raise taxes or increase spending over certain limits.

In 1986, Jordan received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While in Madison, Jordan was a member of the wrestling team where he was twice NCAA champion. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education from the Ohio State University and in 2001 earned a law degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim, his wife Polly, and their four children live near Urbana in central Champaign County. They attend Grace Bible Church.