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{{Infobox_Congressman
| name =Peter Roskam
| image
| date of birth= {{birth date and age|1961|9|13}}
| place of birth= [[Hinsdale, Illinois]]
| death_date =
|
| state = [[Illinois]]
| district = [[Illinois's 6th congressional district|6th]]
| term_start =[[January 4]], [[2007]]
| preceded=[[Henry Hyde]]
| succeeded=[[Incumbent]]
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse = Elizabeth Roskam
| religion= [[Anglican Mission in America|Anglican]]
}}
'''Peter James Roskam''' (born [[September 13]] [[1961]] in [[Hinsdale, Illinois]]), is a freshman [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] as of [[2007]], succeeding 16-term Republican [[Henry Hyde]] in representing {{ushr|Illinois|6|}}. In the 2006 November election, he was elected to Congress, defeating Democratic candidate and Iraq War veteran [[Tammy Duckworth]].
Roskam was a [[personal injury lawyer]] and a former member of the [[Illinois General Assembly]], representing [[Illinois]]' 40th House District and later Illinois' 48th Senate District. Roskam tends to vote with his party on most issues.<ref>[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000580/key-votes/ Washington Post] Votes Database / Key Votes. Retrieved [[June 18]], [[2007]]</ref>
==Personal history==
Roskam was born in [[Hinsdale, Illinois]] to Verlyn R. "Swede" and Martha (Jacobsen) Roskam. He was the fourth of five children and was raised in [[Glen Ellyn, Illinois]], graduating from [[Glenbard West High School]]. Roskam received his B.A. in [[political science]] from the [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]] and his [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] from the [[Chicago-Kent College of Law]].
In 1984, Roskam taught history and government at All Saints High School in [[St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]]. In 1985, Roskam served as a [[legislative assistant]], for a short time - to 1986 <ref>http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000580</ref. to Rep. [[Tom DeLay]] (R-TX), and in 1986 as a legislative assistant to Rep. Hyde.<ref name="RoskamBio">{{cite web | url=http://www.roskamforcongress.com/aboutpeter/ | title=About Peter |work= Roskam for Congress Committee}}</ref> In the late 1980s, Roskam served as the Executive Director of Educational Assistance Ltd., a scholarship program for disadvantaged children founded by his father in 1982.<ref name="storyofeal">{{cite web
| title =The Story of EAL
| publisher =Educational Assistance Ltd.
| url =http://www.ealworks.org/story_of_eal.html
| accessdate = 2007-05-12 }}</ref> In 1992, Roskam was elected to the [[Illinois House of Representatives]], serving from 1993 to 1999. In 2000, he was appointed by DuPage County Republican leaders to replace the retiring Beverly Fawell<ref>{{cite news |first= Deborah |last= Kadin |title= GOP leaders choose Roskam for Fawell's Senate seat |work= [[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]|publisher= Paddock Publications, Inc.|date= [[January 16]], [[2000]] |accessdate=2007-03-16 }}</ref> in the [[Illinois State Senate]] where he served until his election to the US House of Representatives. Roskam resides in [[Wheaton, Illinois]] with his wife Elizabeth and their four children.
Roskam was a partner in the law firm Salvi, Roskam & Maher, a personal injury firm. He was named "Best Oral Advocate" by the [[American College of Trial Lawyers]]. The firm, now called Salvi & Maher, is politically notable because former Republican Senate candidate [[Al Salvi]] and former Republican House candidate Kathy Salvi are also partners in the firm. The ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' noted that Roskam earned over $615,000 in 2005 as a [[Personal injury lawyer|personal injury trial lawyer]].<ref name=TribBlog>[[Eric Zorn]], Chicago Tribune blog. [http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2006/06/candidates_refo.html Candidate's reform talk may be adding insult to injury]. [[June 22]], [[2006]].</ref>
After his parents took a trip to Vietnam and saw veteran dog tags for sale on the street, Roskam, along with his parents worked to return the dog tags to their owners or the families of the deceased.<ref>{{cite web |last= Vogel |first= Curtis |url= http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7279844/did/9694033 |title= Husband, wife find 37 soldier IDs being sold on streets of Ho Chi Minh City |accessdate=2007-03-16 |format= |work= [[MSNBC]] }}</ref>
clarifying
==Illinois General Assembly==
Peter Roskam served in the Illinois General Assembly as [[Illinois House of Representatives|State Representative]] from 1993 to 1998, and [[Illinois Senate|State Senator]] from 2000 to 2006. In the Senate Roskam served as the Republican [[Whip (politics)|Whip]], the Republican spokesman on the Executive Committee, and a member of the Rules Committee, Environment and Energy Committee, Insurance and Pensions Committee, and Judiciary Committee. In the Senate Roskam has sponsored legislation giving the [[Supreme Court of Illinois]] authority to reverse a death penalty sentence, has sponsored legislation increasing the penalties for repeat D.U.I. offenders, and was the lead sponsor of a law to maintain courts' power to hold deadbeat parents in contempt to ensure child support.<ref name="RoskamBio" /> Roskam has authored or co-authored fourteen bills to cut taxes.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.roskamforcongress.com/news/view_article.cfm?id=598 | title=Roskam ready to go to bat for Sixth Congressional District |work= Roskam for Congress Committee |date=[[May 31]], [[2006]] |accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref>
In 1998, when [[Al Salvi]] was running for Illinois [[Secretary of State]], Roskam asked the Illinois [[Comptroller]]'s office for a list of state employees. At the time, Roskam told the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' that the request was for personal use. However, Roskam gave the list to Salvi, who used the list to send numbered campaign fundraising tickets to state employees. The numbering allowed the campaign to keep track of who contributed and who didn't.<ref>"[http://www.dailyherald.com/search/printstory.asp?id=230423 Voters will judge these episodes from Roskam’s past]" Eric Krol Friday, [[September 22]], [[2006]] ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]''</ref>
In January 2005, Roskam fought amending the Illinois [[Human Rights Act]] to include sexual orientation on the grounds that it would require churches and religious organizations to hire homosexuals.<ref>Suburban Chicago News. [http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/politics/state/2_1_AU03_GAYRIGHTS_S1.html Gay Rights]. (Dead link)</ref> However, the act contains an explicit exemption for churches and religious organizations.<ref>http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2266&ChapAct=775%A0ILCS%A05%2F&ChapterID=64&ChapterName=HUMAN+RIGHTS&ActName=Illinois+Human+Rights+Act%2E</ref> The Illinois Senate passed the amendment 30-27-1<ref>State of Illinois 93rd General Assembly. [http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300SB3186_01102005_005000R.pdf Roll call vote — SB 3186]. [[January 10]], [[2005]].</ref> and on [[January 1]], [[2006]], Illinois became the 16th state to have such a law.<ref>[[Associated Press]] via [[The Advocate]]. [http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid24008.asp Illinois becomes 16th state with gay rights law]. [[January 4]], [[2006]].</ref>
In November 2004, Roskam voted against State Comptroller [[Daniel Hynes|Dan Hynes]]' proposal to fund [[stem cell]] research. Supporters of the bill argued that it could have enticed investment befitting the state economy. Roskam faced opposition from Republican State Treasurer [[Judy Baar Topinka]], State Senator and [[DuPage County, Illinois|DuPage County]] GOP Chairman [[Kirk Dillard]], and Republican House Minority Leader Tom Cross. Major medical and educational institutions, such as [[Northwestern University]], supported the proposal.<ref>Illinois Federation for Right to Life. [http://www.ifrl.org/IFRLDailyNews/041129/1/]. [[November 29]], [[2004]]. (Dead Link)</ref> The proposal was defeated 29-28-1 in the Illinois Senate.<ref>Chicago Tribune. Illinois Senate narrowly defeats stem-cell measure. [[November 19]], [[2004]].</ref><ref>State of Illinois 93rd General Assembly. [http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/93/senate/09300HB3589_11182004_008000A.pdf HB 3589 amendment 7]. [[November 18]], [[2004]].</ref>
==Congressional service==
[[Image:Roskam Memoiral Day.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Roskam attends a [[Memorial Day]] serivce in his district.]]
Roskam serves on the [[United States House Committee on Financial Services|House Financial Services Committee]] and sits on its subcommittees for Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology; and Oversight and Investigations.
Roskam's voting record may be found [http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000580/ here].
==Political positions==
[[Image:Roskam GTI.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Roskam attends the opening of the first [[Hydrogen fuel]]ing station in Illinois.]]
===Alternative Energy===
Roskam supports the development of Alternative Energy, and has introduced legislation to fund research into reducing the environmental impact of idling cars.<ref>{{cite press release | title =CONGRESSMAN ROSKAM PUSHES TO CUT CO2 EMISSIONS, REDUCE GAS CONSUMPTION | publisher = | date =[[June 12]] [[2007]] | url =http://roskam.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=67359 | format = | language = | accessdate =2007-07-12 | quote = }}</ref> He cites both the health benefits of alternative fuels, and the importance of not being dependent on foreign sources of energy as reasons for further research into alternative energy. Roskam says that currently, sources of alternative energy are not "developed enough to be fully integrated as a comprehensive solution," but says that research into these areas offer "hope."<ref>{{Citation
| last =Roskam
| first =Peter
| author-link =Peter Roskam
| date =[[April 18]] [[2007]]
| year =2007
| title = The Importance of Alternative Energy
| publisher = Lombardian, Villa Park Review
| url =http://roskam.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=63450
| accessdate =[[July 12]] [[2007]]
}}</ref>
===Education===
In the State Senate, Roskam cosponsored legislation to provide tax relief to teachers who use their own money to purchase school supplies.<ref>[http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1675&GAID=8&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=19862&SessionID=50&SpecSess=&Session=&GA=94 Bill Status of SB1675] Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved June 19, 2007</ref>
In the 1990s, Roskam supported three different state legislative plans to remove books that some parents found objectionable from public schools: one to remove the textbook series ''Impressions'' from [[Arlington Heights, Illinois|Arlington Heights]] schools, another to remove any book that "expressly counsels for suicide," and a third to allow local juries to determine whether a book is obscene.<ref>[http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2006/10/would_you_could.html Would you, could you twist a fact?] By [[Eric Zorn]] Friday, [[October 20]], [[2006]] ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''</ref><ref name="esquire">"A National Knife Fight" by Joshua Green, Oct 2006 ''[[Esquire]]'', pg. 236</ref>
===Gun politics===
Roskam sponsored a bill in the state Senate which would have allowed retired military and police personnel to [[carrying concealed weapon|carry concealed weapons]]. He has gained the endorsement of the [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA), for being a supporter of gun rights. On [[July 15]] [[2006]], Roskam was the featured guest at a NRA support rally for him in [[Addison, Illinois]].<ref>http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=69272</ref>
While in the state Senate, Roskam sponsored gun legislation with two major components. One part called for the destruction of [[background check]] records within 90 days of a gun's purchase. The other part closed the so-called "[[gun show]] loophole" by requiring background checks on potential gun purchasers at gun shows. The ''Tribune'' noted that gun-control advocates were supportive of closing the gun-show loophole; however, Roskam received criticism from police for the proposed destruction of background check records. Police use those records to investigate [[straw purchase]]rs who buy guns for criminals and to prepare themselves when serving a warrant or making an arrest at a home.<ref>"Peter Roskam's priorities" ''Chicago Tribune''; Oct 26,05; pg. 24</ref>
===Immigration===
Roskam has stated his opposition to the Senate's [[Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007]] and support for securing the border during interviews on [[National Public Radio]]. During the interviews he claimed his constituency did not support amnesty and wanted stronger border security.<ref>[[National Public Radio]]. [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10330378 Robert Siegal on NPR] and [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9482787 Michelle Norris from NPR's All Things Considered].</ref>
He supported the House [[immigration]] reform bill, H.R. 4437 the [[Border Protection, Anti-terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005]]. He opposed the Senate's [[Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006]]. <ref name="tribunecommonground">[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0609230204sep23,1,6321203.story?coll=chi-politics-stories "Little common ground for Roskam, Duckworth"], John Biemer, [[September 23]], [[2006]], ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''</ref>
===The Iraq War===
On [[September 21]] [[2006]], Roskam said that the US should "stay the course" and that US troops should not return home until Iraq is safe.<ref>"[http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/eg/09-21-06-1035978.html Iraq not central in war on terror, Duckworth says]" BY PAT CORCORAN ''ELK GROVE TIMES''</ref> He criticized his opponent [[Tammy Duckworth]]'s views on withdrawal, saying "the Sixth district is not a cut-and-run district." On [[October 23]] [[2006]], Roskam said it was a mistake the U.S. didn't go in with full force in Iraq. Later, Roskam expressed support for quarterly status reports to Congress on Iraqi troop training.<ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/story.asp?id=242088 "Final debate focuses on the war"] by Eric Krol Tuesday, [[October 24]], [[2006]] ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]''</ref>
===Social Security and Medicare===
On [[May 20]], [[2005]], Roskam and six other Illinois senators missed a vote in the Illinois Senate on a non-binding resolution urging the United States Congress to protect [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] and reject private accounts. The resolution passed 32-19-1, but no action was taken in the Illinois House.<ref>[[Illinois General Assembly]]. 94th General Assembly. [http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=13&GAID=8&DocTypeID=SJR&LegId=17501&SessionID=50&GA=94 Senate Joint Resolution No. 13]. [http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/94/senate/09400SJ0013_05202005_030000D.pdf Roll call — Third Reading]. [[May 20]], [[2005]].</ref> Roskam has said in a [[WBBM]] post debate press conference, "I am against privatizing Social Security, I am against raising taxes for Social Security benefits, and I'm against benefit reductions for Social Security.<ref>[[WBBM]] post-debate press conference, [[September 22]], [[2006]].</ref>
According to a direct mailing by the [[National Republican Congressional Committee]] (NRCC), Peter Roskam will protect Social Security by opposing any plans that reduce benefits. Roskam told ''[[The Hill]]'' that he opposes any measures that would add private savings accounts or slice up the current program to create a private account. However, Roskam responded to a [[National Taxpayers Union]] questionnaire stating he would "work and vote for Social Security Choice that will allow younger workers to have the choice of investing much of their Social Security taxes in regulated individual retirement accounts."<ref>{{cite web | last = Kaplan | first = Jonathan E. | url = http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/82-issues-return-in-06-2006-09-21.html | title = ’82 issues return in ’06 | publisher = [[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] | date = [[2006-09-21]] | accessdate = 2007-03-21 }}</ref>
On [[January 12]], [[2007]], Roskam voted along with the majority of his party against the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, which would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower covered [[Medicare Part D|Part D]] drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.<ref>Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives. [http://clerk.house.gov/cgi-bin/vote.asp?year=2007&rollnumber=23 H.R. 4 — Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, Roll call 23]. [[January 12]], [[2007]].</ref>
===Stem-cell research===
Roskam supports [[adult stem cell|adult]] and [[cord blood|umbilical cord]] [[stem cell]] research.<ref>[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]. [http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/ele_story.asp?id=213103#] (Dead Link).</ref> Roskam has argued against [[embryonic stem cell]] research in the Illinois Senate, even if privately funded,<ref name="StemCellDebate">{{cite news | title=Duckworth joins stem cell debate | url=http://www.topix.net/content/trb/2253609877194232426640078648792098326074 | publisher=The Chicago Tribune | author=Biemer, John | date=[[August 2]], [[2006]]}}</ref> and voted against the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act in Congress.<ref>Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives. [http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll020.xml H.R. 3 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act — Roll Call 20]</ref>
[[Image:Roskam tax rally.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Congressman Roskam holds a press conference in support of removing [[sunset provision]]s of the [[2001]] and [[2003]] tax-cuts.]]
===Taxes===
Roskam advocates renewing the national 2003 tax cuts, and has sponsored or cosponsored fourteen pieces of legislation for lower taxes, including child tax credits and reducing the income tax, and has stated support for a research and development tax credit. As an Illinois General Assembly legislator, Roskam authored and supported several pieces of tax reduction legislation.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.roskamforcongress.com/roskamrecord/index.cfm?ID=10 | title=Taxes & The Economy |work= Roskam for Congress Committee |accessdate=2007-03-17}}</ref> [[Americans for Tax Reform]] named Roskam "Hero of the Taxpayer" in 2005 for his opposition to HB-755<ref>[http://www.atr.org/content/pdf/2005/may/052405pr-il-roskam_hero.pdf National Taxpayer Advocacy Group Names Roskam Hero of the Taxpayer] ''Americans for Tax Reform'' [[24 May]], [[2005]]</ref> which would have raised income and sales taxes by 67% or nearly $7 billion.<ref name="ipireport">{{cite web
| title =A Critical Analysis of Education Funding Reform
| publisher =Illinois Policy Institute
| date =July 2004
| url =http://www.illinoispolicyinstitute.org/eduemail1.htm
| accessdate = 2007-05-12 }}</ref>
===Other positions===
Roskam helped to pass the Safe American Roads Act of 2007 which prohibits the DOT from granting Mexican Trucks access beyond the U.S./Mexico commercial zone until the DOT complies with the safety and security regulations congress has already enacted.<ref>[http://blog.thehill.com/2007/05/18/keep-on-truckingsafely-rep-peter-roskam/ Keep on Trucking…Safely] ''The Hill'' May 18, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2007</ref>
Roskam opposes plans to expand [[O'Hare International Airport]], and instead favors building a third regional airport in Chicago's southern suburbs<ref>Roskam for Congress. [http://www.roskamforcongress.com/news/view_article.cfm?id=629 Door-To-Door Man]. [[July 27]], [[2006]].</ref>.
Peter Roskam opposes [[abortion]] except when the life of the mother is at risk, making no exceptions for cases of rape or incest<ref name="collegedebate">{{cite news
| last =Koehler
| first =Michael
| title =House candidates debate at college
| pages =1
| publisher =College of DuPage Courier
| date =2006-10-20
| url =http://www.cod.edu/courier/10.20.06/NEWS_10.20.06.pdf
| accessdate = 2007-05-12 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/news/cookstory.asp?id=233683&cc=c&tc=hes&t=hoffman%20estates Easy to tell who’s who in 6th District] By Eric Krol Thursday, September 14, 2006 ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]''</ref> Roskam also supports the [[capital punishment|death penalty]], opposes [[same-sex marriage]] and [[civil union]]s,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external/pre-election/bios/53825.html?SITE=OKTULELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT | publisher=[[The Associated Press]] | title=Associated Press election coverage | date=[[September 7]], [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-09}}</ref> and supports allowing the use of [[earmark]]s in federal budgeting<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/story.asp?id=218930 | title=Roskam defends federal pork support | author=Eric Krol | publisher=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]] | date=[[August 22]], [[2006]]}}</ref>.
Roskam named [[tort|lawsuit reform]] as a top priority. During a 1995 push for tort reform in the [[Illinois General Assembly]], Roskam voted for the reform measure despite promises to the contrary. Terrence Lavin, a member of the Illinois Bar Association who became its president in 2003, said that [[Al Salvi]] and Roskam promised, "We will never, ever vote for tort reform", when they solicited a $25,000 donation to a [[political action committee]]. Roskam later reimbursed much of the money collected after he voted to support the reforms. During the 2006 campaign, Roskam was accused by Duckworth's campaign manager, Jon Carson of soliciting frivolous lawsuits via his Yellow Pages ads.<ref name=TribBlog />
Roskam supports [[Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement|CAFTA]].<ref name="supportsdatabase">{{cite news
| last =Krol
| first =Eric
| title =Roskam supports Bush on database
| pages =17
| publisher =Daily Herald
| date =2006-05-13
| url =http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=111AAA5D6461AAE5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
| accessdate = }}</ref> In 2005, Roskam received a 67% rating from the Illinois Environmental Council. In 2004 he scored 100%, while in 2003 he scored 40%.<ref>http://www.ilenviro.org/publications/files/2005scorecard.pdf</ref> In November 2006, Roskam expressed opposition to raising the national minimum wage from $5.15 per hour, referring to possible effect on small businesses,<ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/news/dupagestory.asp?id=248980&cc=d&tc=&t= Roskam balks at hiking minimum wage] By Marni Pyke [[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]] Saturday, [[November 11]], [[2006]]</ref> and voted against a bill to increase the national [[minimum wage]] from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour over two years in Congress.<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0701110201jan11,1,3564163.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed "Minimum pay bill advances"] By Richard Simon Published January 11, 2007</ref>
==1998 Congressional campaign==
Roskam ran for Congress in 1998 in [[Illinois' 13th congressional district]] to replace retiring Congressman [[Harris W. Fawell]], but lost in the Republican primary to [[Judy Biggert]]. Roskam received 40% of the vote to Biggert's 45%.<ref>[http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe1998/ilh.htm]</ref>
In 1999, at Biggert's request, the [[Federal Election Commission]] (FEC) investigated a mailing sent out by a [[Political action committee|Political Action Committee]] (PAC), the Campaign for Working Families (CWF), in support of Peter Roskam. The FEC did not find the Roskam campaign at fault, but CWF was found to have violated election law. The PAC was led by conservative [[Gary Bauer]].<ref>[http://eqs.sdrdc.com/eqsdocs/00003C0B.pdf]</ref>
==2006 Congressional campaign==
[[Image:Il06 109.gif|thumb|right|325px|The 6th congressional district]]
In March 2006, Roskam, running unopposed, won the Republican nomination to attempt to fill Henry Hyde's open seat.<ref name="RoskamBio" /> His opponent in the November general election was [[Iraq War]] veteran, [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Tammy Duckworth]]. Hyde endorsed Roskam. The competitive race was called "the nation's most-watched congressional contest" by Eric Krol of the ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]].''<ref name="most-watched">{{cite news |first = Eric |last = Krol |title = Debate on immigrants stokes race |url = http://www.roskamforcongress.com/blog/comments.cfm?entry_id=10 |format = reprint |work = [[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]] |publisher = Paddock Publications, Inc. |date = [[2006-10-12]] |accessdate = 2006-10-18 |language = [[English language|English]]}}</ref>
On [[November 7]] [[2006]], Roskam defeated Duckworth by a margin of 51% to 49%.<ref>[[CNN]]. [http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/IL/H/06/index.html House Election Results].</ref>
===Events leading up to the 2006 election ===
In August 2006, the Roskam campaign used Republican Party stances for an [[American Association of Retired Persons]] (AARP) survey. The answers related to [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]], [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]], insurance plans and retirement. Democratic opponents characterized it as plagiarism.<ref>[[Fox News Channel]]. [http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Aug31/0,4670,RepublicansSurvey,00.html Candidates Duplicate in AARP Survey]. [[August 31]], [[2006]].</ref>
===Fall 2006===
On [[September 10]] [[2006]], The ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' reported that "Roskam is trying to use immigration as an issue against his Democratic rival, Tammy Duckworth, in their race for the House seat being vacated by Republican Henry Hyde."<ref>[http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/nation/story/461E4E2249FE8EC9862571E60013DAAB?OpenDocument St. Louis Today]. (Dead link)</ref>
Controversy erupted on [[September 21]] [[2006]] when the Duckworth campaign accused Roskam of using the term "cut-and-run" in reference to Duckworth's Iraq strategy. Roskam's campaign manager denied that they had made such a statement saying Roskam was "misquoted" and "misrepresented".<ref>"[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20060927/ai_n16745966 Duckworth camp: 'Cut and run' crude: Roskam team: He never said that]" By Scott Fornek ''Chicago Sun-Times'' Sept 27, 2006</ref>
A fundraiser for Roskam and [[David McSweeney]] was held on [[October 12]] [[2006]] at the Chicago [[Hilton Hotels|Hilton]]. President [[George W. Bush]] and [[Speaker of the House]] [[Dennis Hastert]] headlined the event.<ref>"[http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/88388,CST-NWS-SWEET08s1.article Hastert scratches New York fundraiser]" BY LYNN SWEET [[October 8]], [[2006]] Chicago Sun-Times. (Dead link)</ref>
On [[October 24]], actor and [[Parkinson's disease]] sufferer [[Michael J. Fox]] appeared at a fundraiser for Roskam's opponent, Tammy Duckworth at Arrowhead Golf Course in [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]], supporting Duckworth's stance on [[embryonic stem cell]] research.<ref>[http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/112942.php?contentType=4&contentId=228752 "Actor Michael J. Fox To Appear At Duckworth Rally"], Tuesday, [[24 October]] [[2006]] 10:13AM wbbm780.com</ref>Roskam held a simultaneous press conference featuring a cancer survivor who was treated with his own cells.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&id=4691073 Michael J. Fox to appear at rally for Democrat Tammy Duckworth] [[October 23]], [[2006]] ABC7Chicago.com</ref>
On [[October 30]], Roskam attended a fundraiser with Senator [[John McCain]]. McCain had cosponsored the immigration bill that Roskam attacked as "amnesty".<ref>[http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/117603,CST-NWS-mccain31.article "McCain, Roskam overlook differences"] [[October 31]], [[2006]] ''Chicago Sun-Times'' BY Paige Winfield. (Dead link)</ref>
Roskam placed television ads that accused Duckworth of wanting to raise [[Social Security]] [[payroll tax]]es. According to the ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]'', the [[AARP]] mailed out thousands of letters to the Sixth District denouncing the ad as misleading.<ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/story.asp?id=245699 Social "Security is late issue in House races"] By Eric Krol. [[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]. [[November 02]], [[2006]]</ref>
===Endorsements===
In May 2006, the [[Teamsters]] [[labor union]] endorsement of Roskam was announced by [[John Coli]], President of Joint Council 25.<ref>http://www.teamster.org/06news/hn_060517_5.asp</ref> The [[International Union of Operating Engineers]] Local 150 also endorsed Roskam for the congressional seat. The [[Veterans of Foreign Wars]] organization also endorsed Roskam over Duckworth.
The candidates debated on [[WTTW]]/Channel 11 ([[October 23]]), [[Chicago Public Radio|WBEZ radio]] ([[October 19]]), [[WBBM (AM)|WBBM radio]] ([[September 24]]), and at the [[College of DuPage]] ([[12 October]]).<ref>http://www.wbez.org/election/index.asp?category=11</ref>
===Campaign contributions===
Roskam trailed Duckworth in fundraising. Roskam raised $3.44 million vs. Duckworth's $4.52 million, but started the fall campaign with more cash on hand, due in part to not having a primary challenger. Roskam was more dependent on contributions from PACs: 56% of Roskam's donations and 82% of Duckworth's donations came from individuals.<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.asp?cycle=2006&id=IL06</ref> 87% of Roskam's contributions and 51% of Duckworth's contributions came from the state of Illinois.<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/races/instate.asp?ID=IL06&cycle=2006</ref> Top zipcodes of contributors for Roskam were [[Wheaton, Illinois|Wheaton]], [[Glen Ellyn, Illinois|Glen Ellyn]] and [[Hinsdale, Illinois|Hinsdale]]. Duckworth's top zip codes were [[Chicago]], [[Winnetka, Illinois|Winnetka]] and [[New York City]].<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/races/zip.asp?ID=IL06&cycle=2006</ref>
According to FEC filings, Roskam received donations from various [[political action committee]]s.<ref>http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2005_H6IL06117</ref><ref>http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/H6IL06141</ref> As of [[June 30]] [[2006]], Roskam received more contributions from political committees formed by sitting legislators than any other non-incumbent Congressional candidate in the nation. A Roskam campaign spokesman credited House Speaker [[Dennis Hastert]] for those contributions.<ref>http://www.roskamforcongress.com/news/view_article.cfm?id=622 "Duckworth raises $844,000 in 2nd quarter" Patrick Corcoran [[July 20]], [[2006]] ''Pioneer Press''</ref>
==Electoral history==
*'''2006 Race for U.S. House of Representatives — 6th District'''
**Peter Roskam (R), 51%
**[[Tammy Duckworth]] (D), 49%
*'''1998 Race for U.S. House of Representatives — 13th District Republican Primary'''
**[[Judy Biggert]] (R), 45%
**Peter Roskam (R), 40%
*'''1996 Race for Illinois State Representative — 40th district'''<ref>Democratic Party of DuPage County, [http://www.lakedemocrats.org/dupage/nov96.txt 1996 Election results for DuPage County].</ref>
**Peter Roskam (R), 70.8%
**Kevin Schuele (D), 29.2%
*'''1994 Race for Illinois State Representative — 40th district'''
**Peter Roskam (R), unopposed
*'''1992 Race for Illinois State Representative — 40th district'''<ref>[[Chicago Sun-Times]]. Illinois House Races. Page 30. [[November 5]], [[1992]].</ref>
**Peter Roskam (R), 61%
**Pat Cullerton (D), 39%
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
*[http://www.house.gov/roskam U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam] '''official House site'''
*[http://www.roskamforcongress.com Roskam for Congress] '''official campaign site'''
*{{CongBio|r000580}}
*[http://herndon1.sdrdc.com/cgi-bin/can_detail/H6IL06117 Federal Election Commission — Peter Roskam] campaign finance reports and data
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/IL/Peter_Roskam.htm On the Issues — Peter Roskam] issue positions and quotes
*[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary_newmems.asp?CID=N00004719 OpenSecrets.org — Peter Roskam] campaign contributions
*[http://www.newsmeat.com/campaign_contributions_to_politicians/donor_list.php?candidate_id=H6IL06117 Newsmeat listing of campaign contributors]
*[http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS024491 Project Vote Smart — Representative Peter J. Roskam (IL)] profile
*[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000580/ Washington Post — Congress Votes Database: Peter Roskam] voting record
*[http://www.roskamdogtag.com Roskam's GI Dog Tag website]
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{{incumbent succession box | before=[[Henry Hyde]]| title=[[U.S. Congressional Delegations from Illinois|United States Representative for the 6th Congressional District of Illinois]] |
start= 2007|}}
{{succession box | before=[[Beverly Fawell]] | title=[[Illinois Senate|Illinois State Senator 48th district]] | after=[[Randy Hultgren|Randall M. Hultgren]] | years=2000 — 2006|}}
{{succession box | before=[[Daniel Cronin]] | title=[[Illinois House of Representatives|Illinois State Representative 40th district]] | after=[[Randy Hultgren|Randall M. Hultgren]] | years=1993 — 1999|}}
{{end box}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Roskam, Peter}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois]]
[[Category:Illinois State Senators]]
[[Category:Members of the Illinois House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Illinois lawyers]]
[[Category:Illinois politicians]]
[[Category:People from Wheaton, Illinois]]
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