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Authorized form of name
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Daschle, Tom
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
Senator Tom Daschle is one of the longest serving Senate Democratic Leaders in United States history and the only individual to serve two separate terms as both Majority and Minority Leader. As Democratic Leader, he co-managed the impeachment trial of President William Jefferson Clinton, the second presidential impeachment trial in the nation’s history. He also directed the Senate’s response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to the anthrax attack on his office on October 15, 2001.
Daschle was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978, winning by fewer than 200 votes. He was reelected three times before winning election to the U.S. Senate in 1986. He served three Senate terms before his defeat in 2004. Viewed as a populist Democrat, he helped his party remain competitive in a predominantly Republican state. Daschle rose quickly in congressional leadership, becoming Senate Democratic Leader in 1994 and serving in that role until 2004, making him the second longest serving leader in party history. During his congressional career, he served on numerous committees, including the Senate Finance Committee, the Democratic Policy Committee, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Veterans and Indian Affairs Committees, and the Finance and Ethics Committee.
Family Background
Thomas Andrew Daschle was born December 9, 1947, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the eldest of four sons of Sebastian C. and Elizabeth Meier Daschle. He attended public and parochial schools in Aberdeen and was active in Scouting. At Aberdeen Central High School, he played basketball, served as student council president, and was elected senior class president. His interest in politics grew through participation in American Legion Boys State, and he was influenced by Senator George McGovern, who spoke at his high school graduation.
Daschle became the first member of his family to graduate from college, earning a political science degree from South Dakota State University in 1969. While in college, he participated in Air Force ROTC and the Political Science Club and ran unsuccessfully for sophomore class president in 1965.
He is married to Linda Hall Daschle and has three children: Kelly, Nathan, and Lindsay.
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Functions, occupations and activities
Occupation: Legislators
Associated Groups: South Dakota State University, -1969; United States. Congress. House, 1979-1987; United States. Congress. Senate, 19873-2005; Democratic Party (U.S.)