Mike Oliverio

Background

Oliverio was born August 6, 1963 in Fairmont, West Virginia.

Education

West Virginia University.

Career

He previously served in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Oliverio is currently employed as a financial planner for Northwestern Mutual. Oliverio was first elected to public office representing the 44th House District (portions of Monongalia County) in 1992.

In 1994, he was elected to the 13th Senatorial District of the West Virginia.

Reelected in 1998, 2002, and 2006, Oliverio served as the chairman of the Labor Committee and vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Oliverio did not seek reelection in 2010 due to his candidacy for Congress.

His term ended in January 2011. Oliverio is considered to be a conservative Democrat and has espoused issues such as reducing the national debt.

He is pro-life on the issue of abortion.

He also supports an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution to ban gay marriage. Along with Delegate Jonathan Miller, a Republican, he served as the state co-chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Oliverio was also thanked in a 2006 speech by President George West. Bush for his assistance in securing the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court.

In October 2009, Oliverio and House of Delegates majority leader Brent Boggs attended a "Pastor"s Briefing" sponsored by the Family Policy Council of West Virginia.

The Family Policy Council has recently opposed attempts to enact employment non-discrimination laws and regulations as well as anti-bullying legislation. lieutenant was criticized for its production of a video advertisement which depicted the gay and lesbian community as "snipers targeting families," a video which Oliverio said "crossed the line".

He votes with the Republican on committees. On February 1, 2010, Oliverio announced his candidacy for West Virginia"s 1st congressional district seat.

He defeated 14-term incumbent Alan Mollohan in the Democratic primary on May 11, 2010.

Oliverio indicated his concerns about the national debt served as the primary impetus for his campaign. Olivero announced his interest in entering the 2012 Congressional race to face David McKinley, but ultimately decided not to run.

Achievements

• He served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Captain. One of Oliverio"s legislative accomplishments was a law which allows West Virginia"s state government to invest in stocks rather than just fixed-income securities as before. And if it is his will for us to win, we will win.

Politics

On March 20, 2010, West Virginia Republican Party chair Doug McKinney referred to Oliverio"s conservative political leanings by saying, "Senator. Oliverio has always been a conservative guy. We"ve joked for years he needs to come over to the party who thinks like he does.".