A former US Senator from Maine, serving from 1993 to 1995, known for his moderate Democratic stance and advocacy for healthcare reform.
Tom Allen, the American author and former politician, is best known for his tenure as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maine's 1st congressional district from 1996 to 2008. During his time in office, Allen established himself as a strong advocate for environmental protection, earning a reputation as a fierce opponent of Republican efforts to roll back environmental regulations.
Born on April 16, 1945, in Portland, Maine, Allen hails from a family with a strong civic legacy. His grandfather, Neal W. Allen, served as chairman and mayor of Portland from 1925 to 1926. Allen graduated from Deering High School and went on to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford, where he befriended fellow Rhodes scholar Bill Clinton.
After completing his studies at Harvard Law School, Allen began his career in politics as a staff member for Governor Kenneth M. Curtis and later for Senator Edmund S. Muskie. He was elected to the Portland City Council in 1989 and served as the city's mayor from 1991 to 1992. Allen's success in local politics paved the way for his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, where he represented Maine's 1st congressional district for six terms.
During his tenure in Congress, Allen fought tirelessly against Republican efforts to weaken environmental regulations. He was a strong proponent of pay-as-you-go systems, advocating for offsets to pay for new tax cuts and new spending. His commitment to environmental protection earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of environmentalists across the country.
In 2009, Allen was appointed president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, a position he held until 2013. During this time, he authored Dangerous Convictions: What's Really Wrong with the U.S. Congress, a critique of the partisan gridlock and dysfunction that plagues American politics.
Allen's dedication to public service has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Maine Conservation Voters' Environmental Champion Award and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management Award.
In addition to his many accomplishments in politics and publishing, Allen has also made headlines for his personal life. His friendship with Bill Clinton, formed during their time as Rhodes scholars, has been well-documented. Allen has also been open about his experiences as a cancer survivor, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research and healthcare access.
As a politician, author, and advocate, Tom Allen has left an indelible mark on American politics and public life. His commitment to environmental protection, his passion for public service, and his dedication to telling the stories that need to be told have inspired countless individuals to engage in the democratic process and fight for positive change.
72 Years Old
A moderate Republican senator from Maine, known for her centrist views and crucial swing votes on key legislation, particularly the Affordable Care Act.
81 Years Old
Independent senator from Maine, known for his moderate stance and efforts to bridge the partisan divide in the US Senate.
70 Years Old
The 73rd Governor of Maine, serving from 2003 to 2011, is most known for his efforts to expand healthcare and reduce debt in the state. He also played a key role in promoting Maine's natural resources and tourism industry.
78 Years Old
A moderate Republican senator from Maine, known for her centrist views and efforts to bridge the partisan divide, particularly during the 2009 healthcare reform debate.
82 Years Old
The 46th President of the United States, currently serving as the leader of the country, known for his efforts in addressing climate change and promoting unity.
64 Years Old
The first African American to hold the office, he served two terms as President of the United States, earning a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. He's known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to progressive values.
