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• Tom Ridge served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years before his years of Governor of Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2001. After the September 11 attacks, Ridge worked as the first ever secretary of the newly organized U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

  In a CNN interview on May 24, 2009, Ridge called conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh "shrill" after the radio personality made disparaging remarks about Colin Powell. Ridge stated that Limbaugh should start respecting other people's opinions instead of remaining a divisive GOP-backerCNN: Ridge takes aim at Limbaugh (May 24, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Name: Thomas Joseph Ridge
  2. Born: August 26, 1945 in Munhall PA
  3. 1979: Married Michele Moore Stephenson
  4. Education: Acquired B.A. from Harvard University in 1967
  5. 2003-2005: Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  6. 2001-2003: Director, Department of Homeland Security
  7. 1995-2001: Governor of Pennsylvania
  8. 1983-1985: Representative from Pennsylvania,
  9. 1968-1970: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
  10. Religion: Roman Catholic
  11. Vietnam War veteran
  12. Bush family friend since 1980

• McCain's Potential Running Mate?

  On the campaign trial in Pennsylvania, John McCain was asked about what he would do in his first 90 days in office. He replied: "Call Tom Ridge to Washington from whatever vacation he is taking and get him to work." This response was taken to mean that Ridge would not be campaigning with McCain in the run-up to November.

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Republican Party | 2008 Republican Convention | John McCain | John McCain Campaign | Election 2008 | U.S. Department of Homeland Security | U.S. House of Representatives | Pennsylvania

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