Mike Thompson

Guide Note:

Mike Thompson is a Democratic Representative for the 1st congressional district of California. Preceded by Frank Riggs, Thompson attained a seat in the House in 1999. Before his career in politics, Thompson was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: January 24, 1951 in St. Helena, California
2. Assumed Office: January 6, 1999
3. Spouse: Janet Thompson
4. Alma Mater: California State University, Chico
5. Previous Profession: in the Army
6. Served in U.S. Army in the Vietnam War, 173rd Airborne Brigade

In 2002, Mike Thompson was invited to take a trip to Iraq by Muthanna Al-Hanooti, a Detroit-based charity official. al-Hanoot is now under investigation for attempting to persuade U.S. Government officials to take trips to Iraq. Reports allege that Saddam Hussain's Intelligence Agency wanted to host American politicians who favored lifting Iraqi sanctions. al-Hanoot was incentivized to find out who these politicians were and invite them to Iraq. Thompson has denied knowing the trips were sponsored by Iraq's Intelligence Agency.