J. Robert Kerrey

J. Robert Kerrey, born in 1943, Democratic member of the United States Senate from Nebraska (1989-2001). Bob Kerrey was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1966. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served in Vietnam until March 1969, when a grenade exploded at his feet. He was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor. In the early 1970s, Kerrey opened a chain of restaurants and health clubs in Lincoln and established a local reputation as both a war hero and a successful businessman.

In 1982 Kerrey was elected governor of Nebraska. In 1986 he decided not to seek a second term as governor, despite a job approval rating of more than 70 percent. He returned to politics in 1988, easily winning election to the United States Senate. He was elected to a second six-year term in 1994. In 2000 Kerrey decided not to seek reelection to the Senate. In 2001 he became the president of the New School University in New York City.