Date of Birth: February 11, 1950
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: *Currently alive*
Biography
Ernest James Istook Jr. is an American politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 2007, representing Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Istook graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and later earned a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law. Istook began his political career in the Oklahoma House of Representatives before moving to the national stage. During his tenure in Congress, he was known for his conservative stance on various issues, including fiscal responsibility, national security, and family values. He also served on several key committees, such as the House Appropriations Committee. After leaving Congress, Istook continued to be active in public policy and political commentary.
5 Interesting Facts about Ernest Istook
1. Ernest Istook is of Hungarian descent; his grandparents immigrated to the United States from Hungary.
2. Before entering politics, Istook worked as a journalist and a broadcaster.
3. He was a key proponent of the Real ID Act of 2005, which established new federal standards for state-issued identification.
4. Istook ran for Governor of Oklahoma in 2006 but was defeated by incumbent Democratic Governor Brad Henry.
5. After his congressional career, he became a Distinguished Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernest Istook
1. “A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.”
2. “The American Dream should be within reach of everyone, not just a privileged few.”
3. “Government has a role, but it’s not to micromanage every aspect of our lives.”
4. “Education should be about empowering students, not entangling them in bureaucracy.”
5. “Our national security is paramount; we must ensure our borders are secure and our laws are enforced.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ernest Istook’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million.
Children
Ernest Istook and his wife Judy have five children. Their family life has been described as close-knit, with an emphasis on strong family values and community service.
Relevant Links
1. [Ernest Istook on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Istook
2. [Biography at The Heritage Foundation](https://www.heritage.org/staff/ernest-istook
3. [Profile on Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ernest_Istook
4. [Congressional Biography](https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=I000040
5. [Interview with Ernest Istook](https://www.c-span.org/person/?ernestistook