18 Facts About Melissa Bean

Melissa Luburich Bean was born on January 22,1962 and is an American politician who served as the US representative for from 2005 to 2011.

In 2002, Melissa Bean ran against 73-year-old 8th District Republican incumbent Phil Crane, a 33-year incumbent.

Melissa Bean's performance was even more notable since the 8th had reportedly been redrawn to protect Crane.

Melissa Bean's strong showing in 2002 led the national party to pump a large amount of money into her campaign.

Melissa Bean is the first Democrat to represent the district since its formation in 1935.

In much of the district, Melissa Bean was the only elected Democrat above the county level.

Melissa Bean's reelection became a top priority of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Melissa Bean faced the winner of a competitive six-candidate Republican primary, David McSweeney, in the general election.

Melissa Bean was challenged by Republican nominee Joe Walsh and Green Party nominee Bill Scheurer.

Melissa Bean was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, The Daily Herald, and the Lake County News-Sun.

Melissa Bean was a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and the New Democrat Coalition.

Melissa Bean was a member of the Small Business and Financial Services committees for her entire House tenure.

However, Melissa Bean was granted a waiver by the Democratic leadership.

Melissa Bean's business and financial record includes opposing a bill that would have allowed for drilling for oil in Lake Michigan which is a large source of drinking water for her district.

Melissa Bean has departed from the Democrats in voting in May 2006 to extend about $70 billion in tax cuts, voting to permanently reduce the estate tax, and voting in favor of a presidential line-item veto.

Melissa Bean was a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act.

On other issues, Melissa Bean opposed President Bush's troop "surge" in Iraq.

In 2011, Melissa Bean became President and CEO of the Executives Club of Chicago.