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  Christensen, Brent
CANDIDATE DETAILS
AffiliationDemocratic  
 
NameBrent Christensen
Address
, Illinois , United States
EmailNone
WebsiteNone
Born August 15, 1962 (61 years)
ContributorBarack O-blame-a
Last Modifedev
Apr 14, 2007 11:27am
Tags
InfoDespite being a newcomer to politics, Brent Christensen has generated a great deal of excitement in Illinois's Sixth Congressional District. In short order, the 37-year old attorney from Lombard has established himself as a rising political star in Chicago's western suburbs.

Christensen began his electoral career by taking on the previous Democratic congressional nominee in the Illinois primary. On the campaign trail, Brent gained a reputation as a feisty debater with a strong command of the issues. He won the endorsement of every major newspaper in the Chicago area as well as the support of all the Democratic committee chairmen in the district. Even though his opponent outspent him by a 10-1 margin, Christensen won the Democratic Party's nomination by 24 percent.

Since the primary, Christensen's spirited campaign has gained a growing following among the Sixth District's many swing voters. "Brent Christensen gives Democrats the best opportunity we have ever had to defeat Henry Hyde" noted James P. Walsh, the Chairman of the DuPage County Democratic Organization.

Shaped by public education

Christensen credits public education with strongly influencing his life. His mother has been a Chicago public school teacher for nearly 40 years and Christensen attended Bensenville public schools from kindergarten through high school. In high school, Brent distinguished himself on Fenton High School's Speech Team, winning two state titles in his senior year.

After high school, Christensen attended College of DuPage (in Glen Ellyn, Ill.) earning an AA Degree in 1982 and then went on to Bradley University (in Peoria, Ill.) to gain his BA in 1984. Beside his class work, Christensen enjoyed great success on both DuPage and Bradley's Speech Teams. He won multiple national honors and helped his teams win national championships in 1982, 1983 and 1984.

From flight attendant to labor lawyer

After college, Christensen went to work for American Airlines as a flight attendant. While he enjoyed the work and travel, he soon found that he was more interested in union activities (the Association of Professional Flight Attendants). Brent decided to pursue this interest in labor relations and enrolled in John Marshall Law School (Chicago, Ill).

In 1993, Christensen graduated and was admitted to the Illinois State Bar. He joined the law firm of Sklodowski, Franklin, Puchalski & Reimer, specializing in labor and employment law. Building a strong reputation as a trial lawyer, Christensen decided to launch his own law practice in 1997 with offices in Oakbrook Terrace.

Community involvement

In addition to his thriving law practice, Christensen has found time to serve his community and country. He joined the United States Naval Reserve and proudly serves as a member of the "Seabees" with NMCB-25 in Forest Park. Brent also teaches communications at the College of DuPage.

A member of his high school track and cross-country teams, Christensen continues to run competitively. Brent is a familiar fixture on the streets and bike paths of DuPage County as he trains for various long distance races and triathlons.



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  11/07/2000 IL District 6 Lost 41.06% (-17.88%)
  03/21/2000 IL District 6-D Primary Won 62.00% (+24.00%)
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