Peter Welch
Peter Francis Welch (born May 2, 1947) is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who has served as the U.S. Representative for Vermont's at-large congressional district since 2007. He previously served in the Vermont Senate from 1981 to 1989, where he had spells as the Minority Leader and President pro tempore. In 1988 he gave up his seat to run for the House of Representatives, losing in the Democratic primary to House Majority Leader Paul N. Poirier. He was the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1990, losing to former Republican Governor Richard A. Snelling by 52% to 46%. He returned to politics in 2001 when he was appointed back to the Vermont Senate. He was re-elected in 2002 and 2004 before making a successful run for the House of Representatives in 2006 to replace Independent Congressman Bernie Sanders, who was elected to the United States Senate.