A Representative and a Senator from South Dakota; born in Aberdeen, S. Dak. on December 9, 1947; attended private and public schools; graduated South Dakota State University 1969; served in the United States Air Force 1969-1972; elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-sixth Congress in 1978 and reelected to the three succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1979-January 3, 1987); elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1986; reelected in 1992 and 1998 and served from January 3, 1987, to January 3, 2005; co-chair, Democratic Policy Committee, Democratic Conference (1989-1999); minority leader (1995-June 6, 2001; 2003-2005); majority leader (June 6, 2001-January 3, 2003); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 2004.