J. Robert Kerrey

A Senator from Nebraska. Born in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, August 27, 1943. Attended the Lincoln Public schools. Graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1966. Served in the United States Navy SEAL special forces unit, 1966-1969. Wounded in Vietnam and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life". Operated a chain of restaurants and fitness centers 1972-1982. Governor of Nebraska 1983-1987. Elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1988. Reelected in 1994, and served from January 3, 1989, to January 3, 2001. Was not a candidate for reelection in 2000. Chairman, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (One Hundred Fourth Congress). President, The New School in New York City 2001-2010. Member, National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (9-11 Commission) 2003-2004. Unsuccessful Democratic candidate for election to the United States Senate in 2012.