By Jacqueline Rabe, CQ Staff

Election: Defeated Rep. Phil English , R

Residence: Erie

Born: Dec. 10, 1957; Erie, Pa.

Religion: Roman Catholic

Family: Husband, Dan Dahlkemper; five children

Education: Edinboro State College, Erie, B.S. 1982 (dietetics)

Career: Landscaping company owner; dietician

Political highlights: No previous office

Dahlkemper may have never held public office before, but she says the 26 years she has spent working in the health field and 11 years as a small-business owner more than qualify her to address several issues.

The U.S. health care system is on the “brink of ruin,” she says, noting that just one medical crisis can often send a family into bankruptcy.

“As a small-business owner, I work so hard to try and provide health care for my employees,” Dahlkemper says. I know how hard it is for small businesses to do the right thing.”

Dahlkemper also plans to address a wide range of issues such as outsourcing jobs overseas, ending the war in Iraq, and investing in energy technology and “green job” creation.

She notes that many of her neighbors have been forced to leave to seek employment elsewhere as the economy slows and job loss continues throughout the region.