Candidate Bio - Sam Brownback

Sam Brownback is a Senator from Kansas and is considered a second tier candidate for the Republican Presidential Nomination. Senator Brownback lives in Parker Kansas and is married to Mary Brownback and has 5 children, Elizabeth, Andy, Abby, Mark, and Jenna.

Senator Brownback's first office was the Secratary of Agriculture in 1986 and he held the position until 1993. During this time period, he was the White House Fellow detailed to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for 2 years starting in 1990. In 1995, Senator Brownback was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served 2 years before being elected to the Senate in 1996 where he still serves today.

Senator Brownback was supposed to to emerge in the debates as a conservative contender, but so far he has done anything but that. The Senator's low-key style doesn't serve him in a debate where he must find a way to distinguish himself from the rest of the candidates. Brownback has had only a few moments where he really shined with his attack on former President Bill Clinton being the highlight. Brownback's problem is that he really hasn't done anything to make any real news. Brownback has a small opening where he can inject himself into the major candidates as the conservative choice with McCain falling apart and Thompson not officially in the race but hsi time is limited and his lack of funds doesn't help him. Brownback had only raised $2,757,171 in the last 2 quarters and has transferred another 500,000 from his Senate account.

If The Senator is to have any chance he needs to do something to really make him stick out and begin to gain support. Brownback is spending heavily in Iowa and is counting on a good showing at the Ames Straw Poll and in the Iowa Caucuses to propel his campaign into the primaries. The recent announcement of his faith and family Leadership Council in Iowa is another step in the right direction for him. Former State Representative and pro-family activist Chuck Hurley will chair the committee. Iowa is ground zero for Brownback, if he fails to do well there, his chances never get off the ground.