Pete Ross

From West Wing Wiki

Peter Ritter "Pete" Ross was a U.S. Congressman from southern California from 1979-2003 and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 1997-2003. Ross served in the U.S. Army (After being turned down by the Marines) during the Vietnam War rising to the rank of Captain.

After the war Ross was elected to the California State Senate in 1974, and in 1978 was elected with 'Reagan Revolution' to the U.S. House of Representatives.

During his time in Congress, Ross established a reputation as strong conservative and supporter of Presidents Reagan and Lassiter. Ross also became known for his strong opposition to the liberal policies of the Newman and Bartlet administrations. During Bartlet's first term, Ross took a firm stand against his tax and spend policies. In 2002, Ross sought the Republican presidential nomination on a classic Reagan-Lassiter small government, flat tax, stronger military platform. Although Ross amassed a considerable war chest and got the endorsement of former President Lassiter he was unable to make an impact and exited the race after the California primary when he finished in 3rd place behind Howard Westen and the winner Robert Ritchie in his own state. Ross did not seek re-election in 2002 and retired from politics.