By Jesse Stanchak, CQ Staff

Election: Defeated Mike Erickson, R, to succeed Darlene Hooley , D, who retired

Residence: Canby

Born: Oct. 19, 1951; Bridgeport, Conn.

Religion: Episcopalian

Family: Wife, Martha Schrader; four children

Education: Cornell U., B.A. 1973 (government); U. of Illinois, B.S. 1975 (veterinary medicine), D.V.M. 1977

Career: Veterinarian; farmer

Political highlights: Democratic nominee for Ore. House, 1994; Ore. House, 1997-2003; Ore. Senate, 2003-present

Although Schrader has spent decades working with sick pets, his desire to improve health care extends beyond the animal kingdom. He lists strengthening prescription drug coverage and increasing health care funding for children among his legislative priorities.

As a co-chairman of the Oregon Senate Ways and Means panel, Schrader has long had an interest in budgetary issues.

He advocates controlling federal spending by outsourcing less government work to contractors, eliminating subsidies to energy companies and ending the Bush administration’s tax cuts.

Schrader says his statehouse experience might someday make him a strong appointment to the powerful Appropriations Committee. For now, he is aiming for the Energy and Commerce panel, where he would have input on health care issues.

He also wants the government to increase its investment in alternative energy technologies, combat speculation in energy markets, tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and require energy companies to use their existing oil and gas leases.