10 Facts About Vern Ehlers

Vernon James Ehlers was an American physicist and politician who represented Michigan in the US House of Representatives from 1993 until his retirement in 2011.

Vern Ehlers served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners from 1975 to 1982.

Vern Ehlers served from 1983 to 1985 in the Michigan House of Representatives and then served from 1985 to 1993 in the Michigan Senate.

Vern Ehlers served as chairman of the House Administration Committee in the 109th Congress after Bob Ney resigned from the position.

Vern Ehlers was a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership and Republicans for Environmental Protection.

Vern Ehlers was the only member of the Michigan Congressional delegation of either party to vote to raise fuel economy standards for automobiles in 2001 and 2005.

Vern Ehlers was a staunch advocate of a federal prohibition of online poker.

However, in December 2010, Vern Ehlers was one of fifteen Republican House members to vote in favor of repealing the United States military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on openly gay service members, and one of eight Republicans to vote for the DREAM Act.

In 1993 Ehlers won a special election for the 3rd District, which had been vacant since Congressman Paul B Henry died six months into his fifth term.

Vern Ehlers won a full term in 1994 and was re-elected six times with little significant Democratic opposition.