Richard Hugh Baker

Republican Representative of Louisiana's 6th district

http://baker.house.gov

Congresses Served

House Terms

May 22, 1948 (76 years old)

Birthday

Born in New Orleans and raised as the son of a Methodist minister.
Graduated from Louisiana State University and founded a real estate agency in Baton Rouge.
Initially elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives as a Democrat, serving eight terms and becoming chairman of the Transportation Committee.
Switched to the Republican Party in 1986 due to a feud with the then-Governor and was encouraged to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 1987 to 2008.
Noted for a standard Republican voting record, contrasting with his Democratic roots.
Involved in a significant electoral challenge during the 1992 reapportionment but managed to retain his seat.
Faced and overcame electoral challenges, including from candidates with significant political lineage and amidst national political backlashes.
Served as chairman and ranking Republican of the House Financial Services Capital Markets Subcommittee, and was a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the United States House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Made controversial comments in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, expressing a desire to improve housing conditions for New Orleans’s poor through what became known as “The Baker Plan.”
Resigned in 2008 to take a lobbying position with the Managed Funds Association, triggering a special election for his seat.