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SENATOR ROBERT CARLYLE BYRD (DEMOCRAT WEST VIRGINIA)
Born in 1917 at North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Before the Second World War, Byrd worked as a petrol pump attendant, produce salesman, meat cutter and small businessman. During the war he was a welder, helping to build "Liberty" ships in the shipyards of Baltimore and Tampa.
Byrd first ran for political office in 1946 and was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. After two terms Byrd was elected to the West Virginia Senate, then to the United States House of Representatives for three terms.
In 1958 he was elected to the United States Senate where he represents West Virginia. In 1963, after ten years of study at evening classes he was awarded a law degree from the American University of Washington DC.
As
In 1977 he In 1971 Byrd was appointed Senate Democratic whip. was elected Demo cratic Leader, a position he held until 1988. Democratic Leader Byrd twice served as Senate Majority leader (1977-1980 and 1987-88)
88) In 1989 Byrd became Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and President pro tempore of the Senate, placing him third in line of succession to the Presidency. He also serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Married. Two daughters.
Baptist.
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