>> Born June 14, 1943, in Chackbay, La., a backwater bayou town.
>> Elected state representative in 1972, his first foray into elected politics.
>> Elected to Congress as a Democrat in a special election on May 17, 1980, after Rep. David Treen became governor.
>> Co-founded the Blue Dog Coalition of conservative Democrats in January 1995 after the Republican takeover of the House.
>> Switched to the GOP in August 1995 amid considering a run for the Senate.
>> Named deputy majority whip in September 1995, becoming the first person to serve in the leadership of both parties.
>> Elected chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce after the 2000 election.
>> Helped pass the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act benefit in November 2003.
>> Gave up the commerce gavel and announced he would not seek re-election in February 2004.
>> Underwent surgery for cancer in his small intestine in March 2004.
>> Became president and chief executive officer of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America the same day he completed his 13th and final term in Congress on Jan. 3, 2005.
