Jeff Kaufmann
| Jeff A. Kaufmann | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa | |
|
Assumed office 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Danny Carroll |
| Member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 79th district | |
|
In office 2005–2013 | |
| Preceded by | Dan Boddicker |
| Succeeded by | Guy Vander Linden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 9, 1963 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Vicki |
| Children | Bobby, Jacob, John |
| Residence | Wilton, Iowa |
| Alma mater | University of Iowa |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Website | Kaufmann's website |
Jeff A. Kaufmann (born 9 January 1963) is the former Iowa State Representative from the 79th District. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2004[1] and retired in 2013. He was the assistant minority leader and Speaker Pro Tem.
Kaufmann is now the Chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, since 2014, when he was elected after the State Central Committee ousted the previous Chair, Danny Carroll.[2] During Kaufmann's tenure as chair, in the 2016 elections, the GOP took control of the State Senate, giving Iowa a Republican trifecta for the first time since 1996.[3]
Kaufmann served on several committees in the Iowa House - the Administration and Rules committee; the Education committee; the State Government committee; the Ways and Means committee; and the Local Government committee, where he was the ranking member. His political experience includes serving as a trustee for Sugar Creek Township and currently serves as a Cedar County Supervisor. During Iowa's legislative session, Kaufmann wrote an op-ed column, "Your Capitol Voice," which appeared in several area newspapers.[4][5]
Kaufmann won the seat formerly held by the retiring Dan Boddicker in 2004, winning his first contest with Democrat Mike Owen of West Branch by over 1,000 votes. He won three subsequent elections[6] Kaufmann was re-elected in 2006 with 6,311 votes (62%), defeating Democratic opponent Clara Oleson.[7] In 2008, Kaufmann collected 9,456 votes,[8] easily maintaining his seat. Democrat Rebecca Spears dropped out of the race before election day.[9]
Today, Kaufmann remains an advisor and friend to House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, Senator Chuck Grassley, and Governor Terry Branstad. Remaining active in Republican party politics, as well as federal, state, and local politics. He also continues to serve as Social Science Chair at Muscatine Community College. He received his PhD from the University of Iowa in 2000.
Education
Kauffman obtained his BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Iowa.[1]
Career
Outside politics, Kaufman is a professor and has taught courses in history and government at Muscatine Community College since 1997.[1]
Awards and honors
Kauffman has won a number of awards which include:
- Chancellor’s Award from the Eastern Iowa Community College District (1996)
- Muscatine County Outstanding Teacher Award (2005)[1]
Organizations
Kaufmann is a member of the following organizations:
- Farm Bureau
- Pheasants Forever
- Friends of the American Legion
- National Heritage Association[1]
Family
Kaufmann is married to his wife Vicki and together they have three sons, Bobby Kaufmann (now a state representative), Jacob and John.[10][11]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Jeff Kaufmann Iowa State Representative". The University of Iowa Public Policy Center. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
- ↑ Hall, Kevin (June 28, 2014). "Live Blog: RPI Chair and Co-Chair Elections - The Iowa Republican". theiowarepublican.com. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
- ↑ Russell, Joyce (November 9, 2016). "Iowa Senate Turns Republican in Tuesday Voting". Iowa Public Radio. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
- ↑ Kaufmann, Jeff (May 6, 2009). "2009 Session Ends, Analysis Begins". westlibertyindex.com. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
- ↑ Kaufmann, Jeff (March 12, 2008). "Your Capitol Voice: Iowa Needs $200 Million More for Transporation [sic]". westbranchtimes.com. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Ferguson, Mike. "Rep. Jeff Kaufmann and son take leadership roles in rival campaigns". WCF Courier. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
- ↑ Noble, Jason (December 29, 2014). "How Jeff Kaufmann is reviving the Iowa GOP". Des Moines Register. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
External links
- Representative Jeff Kaufmann official Iowa General Assembly site
- Profile at Iowa House Republicans
| Iowa House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Dan Boddicker |
79th District 2005 – 2013 |
Succeeded by Guy Vander Linden |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Danny Carroll |
Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa 2014 – present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |