24 Facts About Russ Carnahan

John Russell Carnahan is an American politician from the state of Missouri.

The bulk of the district, including Russ Carnahan's home, was drawn into Missouri's 1st congressional district.

John Russell Carnahan was born in 1958 in Columbia, Missouri, and raised in Rolla.

Russ Carnahan is the son of the late Mel Carnahan, the former Governor of Missouri and posthumous US Senator-elect, and Jean Carnahan, who was appointed to the US Senate to fill the seat to which her husband was posthumously elected.

Russ Carnahan is a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award.

Russ Carnahan received a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri.

Russ Carnahan worked as a private practice attorney prior to entering politics.

Crime: In the 2008 Missouri Congressional Political Courage Test, Russ Carnahan supported the use of the death penalty in federal crimes.

Russ Carnahan supported strict penalties for internet crime, such as hacking identity theft.

Russ Carnahan supported further development and use of alternative fuels as well as the development of traditional energy resources, such as coal and natural gas.

Russ Carnahan wanted to strengthen emission controls on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and SUVs He has supported tax credits to consumers and manufacturers of hybrid vehicles.

Russ Carnahan has supported the interests of groups trying to protect the environment, such as the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.

Health: Recently, Russ Carnahan voted against a Health Care and Insurance Law amendment that would prohibit federal funding of abortion services.

Russ Carnahan wants tax credits to be offered to individuals and small businesses to offset the cost of insurance.

Foreign Policy In January 2010, Russ Carnahan partnered with Republican Congressman Joseph Cao of Louisiana to create the American Engagement Caucus, its stated purpose being the promotion of a multilateral foreign policy in which the United States works closely with other countries to address global problems.

Russ Carnahan has since introduced multiple other bills related to science diplomacy.

Russ Carnahan's grandfather had previously represented much of this district's western portion for all but two years from 1947 to 1961.

In January 1980, Russ Carnahan slept for five days on the floor outside the Secretary of State's Office in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, to ensure that his father's name would be first on the ballot for Missouri State Treasurer when filing opened on January 8.

Russ Carnahan narrowly defeated political activist Jeanette Mott Oxford in the Democratic primary election by a scant 64 votes but went on to win the general election by a wide margin.

Russ Carnahan was reelected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002.

Russ Carnahan narrowly won a crowded primary field of ten Democratic candidates in 2004 with 22.9 percent of the vote, finishing with less than 1,800 votes ahead of his nearest rival, political activist Jeff Smith, who garnered 21.3 percent.

The district reverted to form in 2006 and Russ Carnahan was reelected with 65 percent of the vote.

Russ Carnahan was mentioned as a possible candidate to fill a vacancy in the 8th District after Rep.

Russ Carnahan lost the general election to Republican Mike Parson.