John Olver

Washington, D.C. [11-04-02] Though he began his career as a chemistry professor, John Olver made his biggest mark as a Massachusetts Representative to the U.S. House of Representatives. With more than a decade of work in Washington D.C. already under his belt, the Tufts graduate is seeking his sixth term in office on November 5th.

"Olver - a ranking member of the Appropriations Committee - serves the entire state by working to make sure federal spending is spread equitably," reported The Boston Globe, which endorsed Olver's re-election bid last month.

Committed to environmental protection, Olver recently opposed the Bush Administration's plan to change the Clean Air Act, saying the revisions would hurt the Bay State's air quality.

"For decades, the northeast has borne the brunt of pollution from generating plants farther west. If the Bush Administration implements its proposed regulatory changes… it will be the most aggressive attack ever on the Clean Air Act," Olver wrote in a joint letter with Massachusetts Representative Edward Markey, which was signed by more than 100 Democrats. "The proposed plan will undoubtedly make our region's air dirtier. It is time to act in the public interest rather than for special interests."

Olver - who began his political career as a state representative in 1969 - has also called for federal elections reforms.

"States should also be required to create and maintain statewide voter registration databases that are accessible by poll workers on election day, and voters must not be purged from the rolls due to mere inactivity or the failure to respond to a notification from election officials," Olver told the Globe. "Voting equipment must be brought into the 21st century… I support providing funding to states and local jurisdictions to upgrade their voting systems and abide by the minimum national standards."