United States Representative

8th District

Brad Ellsworth

NOW IS THE TIME !

Bio

Brad Ellsworth has spent his entire adult life protecting the rights and lives of the people of Southwest Indiana. As the 8th District Congressman, Brad has continued his lifelong commitment of putting people and their interests first.

Brad was born and spent his early years in Huntingburg, Indiana. When he was still in grade school, Brad's family moved to Evansville where his father took a job as a crane operator in Warrick County's Alcoa plant. His mother stayed home to raise Brad and his older brothers Joe, Eric and his sister Lisa.

After graduation from Evansville's Harrison High School in 1976, Brad attended the University of Southern Indiana where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. He worked in the paint and hardware department at Sears while in school to pay for his education. Brad later received a Masters Degree in Criminology from Indiana State University.

In 1982, Brad began a career in the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's office. Over the next 23 years, he held every merit rank, and was twice decorated for heroism in the line of duty. While serving in the Department, Brad instituted the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program in the Evansville - Vanderburgh School Corporation. He later attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

In 1998 Brad ran as a Democrat candidate for Sheriff and won in a landslide victory. He was unopposed running for a second term.

As Sheriff, Brad has been a leader in the war on methamphetamine and started the states most comprehensive website to track and monitor sexual offenders. Brad has also worked hard to expand jail facilities in order to keep criminals behind bars.

Outside of his profession, Brad is an active community supporter, serving on numerous boards and committees that enhance the quality of life in the region.

Brad is 51 years old and has been married for 28 years to his college sweetheart, Beth. They have a daughter, Andrea who graduated from Indiana University who teaches special needs children in a Chicago public school and is looking forward to teaching in Indianapolis this Fall.

Brad has served as President of the Indiana Sheriff's Association and was named Outstanding Alumni by University of Southern Indiana.

He and his family attend St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Goals

Brad Ellsworth has represented the 8th Congressional District since 2007, and currently serves on the House Agriculture, Armed Services, and Small Business Committees. During his brief time in office, he has put his experiences as Sheriff to work solving problems, resolving disputes, and working to change the way Washington works. Brad is focused on creating an environment that encourages Indiana businesses to grow and hire, supporting efforts to restore fiscal accountability, cutting taxes for Hoosier families and businesses, and making significant investments in health care and educational opportunities for our brave veterans.

Brad remains as an "independent voice" in the US Congress after he was elected in the fall of 2006 to represent Hoosier voters.

"I believe the job of the Congress is to listen to the people, not tell them what to do," Ellsworth said in remarks to his constituents on the campaign back in January 2006 when he officially announced his candidacy for the 8th District. He further stated "I'm here today because I believe that Washington has stopped listening to what we need, and I believe that Washington politicians have stopped even bothering to ask."

Congressman Ellsworth has visited all 18 counties including Evansville, Mount Vernon, Princeton, Boonville, Petersburg, Washington, Shoals, Linton, Sullivan, Terre Haute, Newport, Brazil, Spencer and Greencastle. After he was elected he is still going to these cities and asking the people of Indiana the same questions.

Brad also said "The biggest separation from John Hostettler, who I ran against in 2006 is my dedication to public service. I am a listener, I’m a worker, I’m a problem solver and a leader who will take charge and help get this country and this district back on track.” And saying “I believe Hoosiers in Indiana deserve better representation than what they are getting in Washington, D.C. today."

“I have been in tough situations as sheriff. This is what this country is built on, giving people a choice. Elections are nothing new. I respect anybody who puts their name on the line and runs for office,” Ellsworth said.

“I will vote the way this state wants us to vote and what they believe in,” he said.

He advocates protecting Social Security, calling it a “guaranteed benefit. Privatization removes the guarantee and reduces the benefit.”

Ellsworth said American jobs “belong in America. We need more of them. Bad trade agreements and corporate giveaways are just sweetheart deals for big corporations that just don’t need them.”

He said he also would “protect our investment in the education of children … protect our borders from those who want to do us harm … protect who we are and who we want to be.”

“Our flag is a principle. It’s a belief, not a piece of cloth. There is not a person here that wouldn’t lay down their life for what our country and what that flag stands for, and thank God for the men and women we have overseas who do,” he said.

To contact Brad Ellsworth: info@ellsworthforindiana2010.com

NOW IS THE TIME !

Send mail to atcmp@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © Warrick County Democratic Party 2012. All rights reserved.