A Representative from Massachusetts; born in Somerville, Middlesex County, Mass., January 9, 1952; graduated from Somerville High School, Somerville, Mass., 1969; B.A., Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 1973; J.D., Boston College Law School, Chestnut Hill, Mass., 1977; lawyer, private practice; chief legal counsel, joint committee on taxation, Massachusetts state legislature, 1978-1984; alderman, Somerville, Mass., 1977-1979; alderman-at-large, Somerville, Mass., 1985-1989; mayor of Somerville, Mass., 1990-1998; Democratic state committeeman, 1996; president, Massachusetts Municipal Association, 1998; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Sixth and to the seven succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1999-present).