Graduated from Harvard College with a degree in government.
Started his career in investment banking, in which he developed and managed a $21 billion derivatives trading operation for the New York firm Morgan Grenfell Finance.
Co-founded, owned, and operated four original-concept restaurants in Allentown and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Served as representative from Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district from 1999-2005. Fought to expand the Bush tax cuts, reduce spending, and oppose the Medicare perscription drug benefit.
Challenged incumbent Arlen Specter for the GOP Senate nomination in 2004 and was defeated by 1.7 percentage points.
In January 2005, became president and CEO of the Club for Growth, which had spent more than $2 million to support his Senate bid.