John M. Spratt, Jr.
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| John Spratt | |
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| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 3, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Ken Holland |
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| Born | November 1, 1942 Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jane Stacy Spratt |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
John McKee Spratt, Jr. (born November 1, 1942) is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 5th District of South Carolina since 1983 (map). The dean of the South Carolina congressional delegation, Spratt is chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Budget, and the second ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, where he serves on three subcommittees: Oversight and Investigations, Strategic Forces, and Air and Land Forces. In addition to his committee work, he co-chairs the Textile Caucus, the Bearing Caucus, and the Nuclear Energy Caucus. Spratt’s district covers all or part of 14 counties in north-central South Carolina. The largest cities are Rock Hill and Sumter.
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[edit] Early life and career
Spratt was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but grew up in York, South Carolina, where he still resides. After graduating from York High School, Spratt earned a BA degree in history from Davidson College in 1964. He served as student body president at both schools. Spratt later earned an MA degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University in 1966 while studying on a Marshall Scholarship, and an LLB degree from Yale Law School in 1969.
Spratt was a captain in the Army from 1969 to 1971, serving in the Operations Analysis Group in the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) at the Pentagon, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal[1].
Spratt returned to York in 1971 to practice at the law firm of Spratt, McKeown, and Spratt. He was county attorney and school board attorney, and president of the Bank of Fort Mill. He also ran a small insurance agency and owned a farm in Fort Mill.
[edit] Family and personal life
Spratt is the son of John McKee Spratt, Sr. and Jane Love Bratton. Spratt's father founded the Bank of Fort Mill and the York law firm where Spratt would eventually practice[2]. Spratt married Jane Stacy of Filbert, South Carolina. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.
Spratt is a member of First Presbyterian Church in York, South Carolina. He has been active in the United Way and other civic and charity organizations.
[edit] Politics
Spratt became active in Democratic politics at an early age, and was elected delegate to the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Spratt was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1982, and has been re-elected every two years since then. He was challenged in the 2006 election by Republican Ralph Norman, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and real estate developer from Rock Hill. Spratt defeated Norman for a thirteenth term by 57%-43%.
Spratt is considered a moderate to conservative in the Democratic Party. According to the 2008 edition of CQ's Politics in America, "Spratt is more conservative than the typical House Democrat, and not just on fiscal policy. In 2006, he was one of just 18 Democrats voting to authorize warrantless electronic surveillance of communications involving terrorits suspects. In both 2004 and 2006, he supported a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, and he voted in 2003 to outlaw a procedure that opponents call 'partial birth' abortion."[3]
According to FOX News Commentator Martin Frost, "Spratt is a moderate Southerner who hates deficit spending and will force the Bush Administration to be more honest with their budget."[4]
Spratt's most recent vote ratings and voting records are available at National Journal Vote Ratings and Project Vote Smart.
In Congress, Spratt has won praise for his skills as a negotiator and consensus builder. The State called him "a bridge-builder who can reach across party lines." National Journal featured him on its cover as "a stand-out" in Congress, comparing his legislative skills to the "best infielders in baseball." In Washingtonian's 2006 survey, congressional staff voted him a "Workhorse" and "House Member I'd Like to See Win the Presidency in 2008."
One of Spratt’s proudest accomplishments was the Balanced Budget Agreement of 1997, which put the federal budget in surplus for the first time in 30 years. [5]
On June 3, 2008, Spratt announced he would be endorsing and voting for Senator Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.[6]
[edit] External links
- Office of U.S Rep. John Spratt U.S. House Congressional Office site
- U.S. House Committee on the Budget U.S. House Budget Committee site
- John Spratt for Congress campaign site
- Federal Election Commission — John M Spratt Jr campaign finance reports and data
[edit] Foonotes
| Preceded by Kenneth Lamar Holland |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 5th congressional district 1983–Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Jim Nussle Iowa |
Chairman of House Budget Committee 2007–Present |
Succeeded by Present |
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