pa_gov_ridge

GOVERNOR TOM RIDGE

• Born in 1945 to Slovak-Irish Catholic parents, Ridge grew up in modest circumstances. His father was a World War II veteran and meat salesman who moonlighted as a butcher and shoe clerk to make ends meet. The family moved to Erie when Ridge was two. They lived in veterans-assisted public housing because no one would rent to a couple with a young child.

• He attended Cathedral Prep High School in Erie where he developed his public speaking abilities, decided he was a Republican, and earned a scholarship to Harvard. He graduated with a degree in government in 1967 and then went to law school for one year before being drafted to serve in the Vietnam War.

• Ridge was the only college graduate in his infantry school class at Fort Benning, Georgia. He finished at the top of his class and then served a seven month tour of duty, earning a Bronze Star for bravery. He lost some of his hearing, though, and now wears a hearing aid.

• When he returned home, Ridge finished his legal studies at the Dickinson School of Law. He graduated in 1972, and he went to work at a law firm in Erie. In 1980, he became an assistant district attorney in Erie County. He filled that post until 1982 when he ran for Congress. Emphasizing his blue-collar roots, Ridge won an open seat in a largely Democratic year by just 729 votes. He won re-election five consecutive times and established himselas a moderate who carefully straddled partisan lines.

• In 1994, Ridge was elected Governor with 45% over Democrat Mark Singel, who received 40%. Anti-abortion activist Peg Luksik ran as a third party candidate and picked up 13% of the vote.

• As governor, Ridge has moved to cut taxes and reform welfare. In 1996, he made an effort to raise his national profile by speaking around the country. He expressed an interest in the VP slot and was considered as a potential running mate for Bob Dole in 1996.