Fighting for South Alabama

While the view of Washington may be at an all-time low, South Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner is one of the most trusted and respected young conservatives in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 2008, Jo was appointed to the powerful House Committee on Appropriations and in 2009 he became Chairman of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, more commonly known as the Ethics Committee.

At a time when fiscal discipline is intensely needed in Washington, Bonner earned the seat on Appropriations to help reform the earmark process and start to restore fiscal credibility to Washington. The Almanac of American Politics noted that with Bonner's appointment, "the old model is broken," and House GOP leaders were turning to Bonner to help lead the way to reform.

It is Jo Bonner's life-long commitment to conservative values that has made him a vigilant guardian of the taxpayer's money. It is also no surprise that Jo Bonner has voted to end the bailouts, stop a government takeover of our healthcare system, control runaway spending and keep our taxes low.

In addition, Jo Bonner is a staunch defender of our families, strengthening our homeland and supporting our troops.

Constituents First

While Jo's legislative work in Washington keeps him busy, it is his commitment to the 682,000 people who live in Alabama's First Congressional District that has become the hallmark of his time in office. In fact, Mobile's Press-Register noted "the Mobile Republican has earned a reputation as a tireless and effective advocate for his constituents in southwest Alabama."

Bonner's time in Congress continues a distinguished legacy of service to the people of South Alabama from when he worked as chief of staff to former Congressman Sonny Callahan. Jo was one of the few congressional chiefs of staff to actually live in the district.

As our congressman, Jo and his staff are always working hard for us.

On a regular basis, members of Bonner's staff travel to 24 different communities throughout the First District, literally "taking the office to the people." And Bonner, himself, has held more than 200+ town hall meetings since first being elected to Congress, not to mention hundreds of other visits to schools, civic clubs and senior citizen centers.

Bio & Family

Born and reared in South Alabama, Jo grew up in a family where public service was looked upon as an obligation, not an option.

His father, the late Judge Josiah Robins Bonner, led Wilcox County during the tense 1960s and early 1970s. Other relatives, including his grandmother and great-uncle, served with distinction in both local and state government. His mother, an Army nurse during World War II, was often seen volunteering at local blood drives. Jo learned early in life that government can't solve all of the world's problems and that family and community are distinctly important.

Jo is married to the former Janee Lambert of Mobile. Together, Jo and Janee have been extremely active in the life of their community. Jo is a member of the Rotary Club of Mobile, Mobile Lions Club, Mobile United, the Touchdown Club and is on the Senior Bowl Committee. Additionally, he has served as a member of the President's Advisory Council for the University of Mobile and the advisory board for the Salvation Army. Previously, he has also served stints on the boards for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Leadership Mobile and Junior League of Mobile. In her own right, Janee is past president of the Junior League of Mobile and continues to serve on a number of boards and committees within the community and at school and church.

Jo and Janee are the parents of a daughter, Jennifer Lee, age 14, and a son, Josiah Robins, III, age 12. The Bonners make their home in Mobile and are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Endorsements

• Recipient of the National Federation of Independent Business "Guardian of Small Business" Award
• Supported by National Association of Realtors Awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Ratings

American Conservative Union

Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Robert Aderholt Spencer Bachus Richard Shelby Jeff Sessions

2009 *

Lifetime 90 80 89 92 75 95

* 2009 ratings will not be released until March

 

National Right to Life
Jo has an 100% ratings for 2009

 

ACLU Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Robert Aderholt Parker Griffith Spencer Bachus Richard Shelby Jeff Sessions

2009 0 0 0 20 10 0 0

 

Americans for Tax Reform – 110th Congress*

Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Robert Aderholt Spencer Bachus Richard Shelby Jeff Sessions

100 85 75 100 100 95

*111th Congress ratings come out later in the year.

 

Americans for Tax Reform – 110th Congress*

Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Robert Aderholt Spencer Bachus Richard Shelby Jeff Sessions

100 85 75 100 100 95

 

National Taxpayers Union 2009 ratings

Jo Bonner Mike Rogers Robert Aderholt Parker Griffith Spencer Bachus Richard Shelby Jeff Sessions

85 58 82 39 84 74 91

Looking Ahead

Working with local and state leaders, Jo Bonner has been at the forefront in helping to successfully attract new businesses and industries to the First District, instilling growth and creativity as we move into the second decade of the 21st Century.

While the local economy has struggled like the rest of the country during the recession, Bonner has worked aggressively alongside Alabama Governor Bob Riley to recruit several significant economic projects to the state – projects that will continue to fuel the economic engine of Alabama for generations to come.

In addition to creating jobs and cutting government spending – Jo's top priorities – he is a strong supporter of protecting our individual freedoms and keeping the government out of our everyday lives. That is why Jo is fighting so hard against government run healthcare.

He is also a staunch protector of our Right to Life and the Right to Bear Arms. And Jo knows that the War on Terror is far from won and has strongly opposed the Obama Administration's efforts to weaken our hand by closing the prison at Guantanamo.