U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, 56, represents the 25 counties in the 9^th Congressional District of Missouri. Blaine, a native of St. Elizabeth, Mo., has lived in the District for four generations and operates a 160-acre farm. Luetkemeyer was elected in November, 2008, succeeding fellow Republican Kenny Hulshof.

Along with his strong agriculture background, Blaine was a small businessman. He owned the Luetkemeyer Insurance Agency and his family owns and operates the Bank of St. Elizabeth. Luetkemeyer has also served as a bank regulator for the state of Missouri.

From 1999 to 2005, Blaine was a Missouri State Representative and served as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and was elected by his colleagues to serve as the House Republican Caucus Chairman. During his tenure in the Missouri House, Blaine co-sponsored the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, which was approved by 71 percent of Missouri’s voters and he successfully supported conceal and carry legislation, a partial birth abortion ban, liability lawsuit reform and workers’ compensation reform.

After leaving office, Blaine was appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt to serve as the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism where he was instrumental in establishing the Tour of Missouri bicycle race as a premier international event. In its first year, the Tour of Missouri drew more than 320,000 people and generated over $27 million in tourism revenue. The race continues to be a success.

Luetkemeyer is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eldon Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, and a lifelong member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Luetkemeyer is a graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., where he earned a degree, with distinction, in political science and a minor in business administration. Luetkemeyer was also an All-Conference baseball player at Lincoln and had tryouts with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Kansas City Royals.