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Richard MourdockAmerican politician, the 53rd Treasurer of Indiana since February 10, 2007.
Date of Birth: 08.10.1951
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Richard Mourdock: A Political Trailblazer
- Geological Career and Business Ventures
- Political Career
- Senate Campaign and Controversy
- Personal Life
Richard Mourdock: A Political Trailblazer
Early Life and EducationRichard Mourdock was born on October 8, 1951, in Wauseon, Ohio. He grew up in Bucyrus, Ohio, and graduated from Wynford High School in 1969. Mourdock went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Defiance College in 1973, followed by a Master of Science degree in geology from Ball State University in 1975.
Geological Career and Business Ventures
After completing his education, Mourdock worked as a field geologist for AMAX Coal Company until 1979. He then joined Standard Oil of Ohio as a senior geologist, eventually rising to the position of chief geologist. In 1984, Mourdock accepted a position with Koester Companies in Evansville, Indiana. He served as Vice President of the coal subsidiary for 16 years and eventually became Vice President of Business Development for the parent company. Mourdock also served on the board of trustees for the company's employee stock ownership plan. From 2000 until his election as Indiana State Treasurer, Mourdock ran his own successful environmental consulting firm.
Political Career
Mourdock's political journey began in the late 1980s. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives three times, representing Indiana's 8th Congressional District in 1988, 1990, and 1992. In 1988, he failed to secure the Republican nomination. In 1990 and 1992, he lost to Democratic incumbent Frank McCloskey. From 1995 to 2002, Mourdock served as a commissioner in Vanderburgh County, including a stint as county council president. He was elected Indiana State Treasurer in 2006, defeating his opponent by a margin of 52% to 48%. Mourdock took office in February 2007. He was reelected to a second term in November 2010, this time by a wider margin of 62% to 38%, receiving over one million votes.
During his second term as Treasurer, it was discovered that $526 million in tax revenue had been deposited into improper bank accounts. Local governments throughout the state that were owed the money were forced to lay off personnel and cut services. The funds were eventually recovered, but state auditors continued to investigate the situation in case further errors had occurred.
Senate Campaign and Controversy
On February 22, 2011, Mourdock announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate, challenging Republican incumbent Richard Lugar in the primary election. The primary took place on May 8, 2012, and Lugar lost his bid to seek a seventh term in the Senate. Mourdock faced Democrat Joe Donnelly and Libertarian Andy Horning in the general election in November.
During the campaign, Mourdock's comments on abortion drew widespread criticism. He stated that he believed abortions should only be permitted to save the life of the mother. However, he maintained that pregnancies resulting from rape should not be grounds for abortion, as he believed that "every life is a gift from God."
Personal Life
Mourdock is an avid runner, having completed nine marathons, including one on his 60th birthday. He first ran a marathon at age 49. He is also a pilot, enjoys riding motorcycles and race cars, and is a history buff with a particular interest in early U.S. history and Abraham Lincoln. Richard Mourdock resides in Darmstadt, Indiana, with his wife, Marilyn Mourdock.
