U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, 57, represents the 25 counties in the 9th Congressional District of Missouri. Blaine, a native of St. Elizabeth, Mo., and his family have lived in the District for four generations. Blaine operates a 160-acre farm. Along with this strong agriculture background, he was also a small businessman, having been in the banking and insurance business. Luetkemeyer has also served as a bank regulator for the state of Missouri earlier in his career. Luetkemeyer was elected in November, 2008, succeeding fellow Republican Kenny Hulshof.

From 1999 to 2005, Blaine was a Missouri State Representative and served as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and was elected by his colleagues to serve as the House Republican Caucus Chairman. During his tenure in the Missouri House, Blaine co-sponsored the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, which was approved by 71 percent of Missouri’s voters and he successfully supported conceal and carry legislation, a partial birth abortion ban, liability lawsuit reform and workers’ compensation reform.

After leaving office, Blaine was appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt to serve as the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism where he was instrumental in establishing the Tour of Missouri bicycle race as a premier international event. In its first year, the Tour of Missouri drew more than 320,000 people and generated over $27 million in tourism revenue. The race continues to be a success.

In Congress, Blaine is a member of the House Small Business Committee and is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade. He also serves on the Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, and sits on the House Agriculture Committee where he serves on two key subcommittees: the House General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research. Blaine is also a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and serves on two key subcommittees: the Government Management, Organization, and Procurement Subcommittee and National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.

Luetkemeyer is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eldon Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, and a lifelong member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Luetkemeyer is a graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo., where he earned a degree with distinction in political science and a minor in business administration.

Luetkemeyer and his wife of 33 years, Jackie, have three children, Trevor, Brandy and Nikki, and one granddaughter, Riley.