Peter DeFazio

Washington, D.C. [11-04-02] Incumbent Peter DeFazio (D-OR) of the 4th District of Oregon - who is known for his support of environmental and labor rights -- is running for his eighth term of office in the U.S. House of Representatives.

When asked why he first ran for office over a decade ago, DeFazio told a local Oregon newspaper, "I thought we could do better in Salem [Oregon] and Washington in a lot of ways."

DeFazio -- who graduated from Tufts in 1969 -- serves on the House Committee on Resources and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The Tufts graduate said one of his greatest accomplishments during his time in Congress has been using $195,000 he would have received in raises to provide scholarships for displaced Oregon workers and to reduce debt.

A recent poll by the Washington Post showed that the Congressman -- who was first elected in 1986 -- is heavily favored to beat his opponents.