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America’s New Congress is filled with hundreds of Members and thousands of stories. Each week, GOP.gov will introduce you to a new House Republican with “10 Questions.”
This week’s Featured Member is Rep. Tom Emmer, who represents the 6th Congressional District of Minnesota. Rep. Emmer was sworn into office on January 6, 2015, and he serves on two committees: Foreign Affairs and Agriculture.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Emmer ran is own law firm, raised a family, coached hockey, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and hosted a conservative talk radio show. He and his wife Jacquie have seven children.
We asked Rep. Emmer 10 questions:
1. What was your first job?
I worked miscellaneous jobs over the years, but some of my earlier jobs included being a caddy at a country club, and pumping gas.
2. What is your favorite movie and why?
The Natural. I just like it.
3. What is your favorite vacation destination?
Anywhere my cellphone doesn’t work.
4. Where are you most likely to be seen dining when you’re home in your district?
In case my wife sees this, let it be known that she is the best cook in America and I never want to eat anywhere but at home.
But in all seriousness, it’s great to end a productive day in the district with a home cooked meal surrounded by my family. It doesn’t get much better than that.
5. Who is your favorite sports team?
Any and all Minnesota teams.
6. When did you realize you were a Republican?
Several generations of my family were business owners, so I grew up with the mentality that government can get in the way of innovation and growth. This was only further solidified when I got married, had kids, and opened a business of my own.
7. What’s the most important — but under-reported — policy issue you work on?
Shortly after I was elected, someone told me that it’s important to pick one issue in your wheelhouse—something that you can truly get behind and give it your all. Being on both the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture committees, it felt natural to pick trade. I’ve been heavily involved in the push for trade promotion authority and will continue to work with my colleagues on this issue through its passage.
8. What motivated you to run for public office?
My family. I have seven reminders of why I’m here. If you want to know how government policies are shaping the future of this country, talk to the next generation. My children range from 13-25 back home, and they motivate me to make this country better for their futures.
9. What were you most surprised about when you started serving in Congress?
The quality of the people, both the Members and their staff. Everyone comes from different backgrounds from different regions of the country, and each person brings their own unique perspective to the table. It all blends together for a distinct experience that I don’t think I could find outside of these halls.
10. What’s one piece of advice that has helped shape the course of your life?
“You only have to look at one face in the mirror every morning—you better like what’s looking back at you.”
Want to learn more? Follow Rep. Emmer on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Check out our previous editions of 10 Questions:
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)
Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA)
Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)
Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA)
Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX)
Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ)
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL)
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY)
Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA)
Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ)