Ed Rendell, an American Democratic politician, was born on January 5, 1944 in New York. He grew up in a politically active household, which sparked his interest in public service from a young age. Rendell attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor's degree in government and international relations.
Rendell served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of duty and discipline that would serve him well in his future political career.
Rendell's political career began in the 1970s when he was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia. He gained a reputation for being tough on crime and was re-elected to the position multiple times. In 1991, he was elected Mayor of Philadelphia, where he served two terms and focused on revitalizing the city's economy and infrastructure.
In 2003, Rendell was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, where he implemented policies to improve education and healthcare in the state. He was known for his pragmatic approach to governing and ability to work across party lines to achieve results.
In 1999, Rendell was appointed as the General Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the party's infrastructure and increase voter turnout in elections.
Rendell is married to Marjorie Osterlund, with whom he has one child. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and reading mystery novels.
Rendell's legacy as a politician is one of pragmatism and bipartisanship. He was able to achieve meaningful change by working with members of both parties and putting the needs of the people above political ideology.
Rendell endorsed Barack Obama for President in 2008, citing his vision for a more inclusive and prosperous America. He continues to be active in Democratic politics, advocating for policies that benefit working-class Americans.
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