Wayne Allard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wayne Allard
United States Senator from Colorado
In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2009
Preceded by	Hank Brown
Succeeded by	Mark Udall
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 4th district
In office January 3, 1991 – January 3, 1997
Preceded by	Hank Brown
Succeeded by	Bob Schaffer
Member of the Colorado Senate from the 15th district
In office January 5, 1983 – January 9, 1991
Preceded by	Samuel Barnhill
Succeeded by	James Roberts
Personal details
Born	Alan Wayne Allard (1943-12-02) December 2, 1943 (age 81) Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Joan Malcolm ​ (m. 1967)​
Children	2
Education	Colorado State University (DVM)

Alan Wayne Allard was born on December 2, 1943. He is an American veterinarian and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Colorado from 1991 to 1997. Later, he was a U.S. Senator for Colorado from 1997 to 2009. Before that, he was a Colorado State Senator from 1983 to 1991. He is a member of the Republican Party. After leaving the Senate in 2009, he started working as a lobbyist. A lobbyist is someone who tries to influence lawmakers on behalf of a group or company.

Early Life and Education

Wayne Allard was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. His parents were Sibyl Jean and Amos Wilson Allard. He grew up on a ranch near Walden, Colorado. In 1968, he earned a degree in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University. This degree allowed him to become an animal doctor.

Serving in the Colorado State Senate

While running his veterinary practice, Allard also served in the Colorado State Senate. He represented Larimer and Weld counties from 1983 to 1990. During his time as a state senator, he supported careful spending of government money. He also helped create a law that limits how long state legislative sessions can be. This law helps keep the legislature focused and efficient.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

Wayne Allard served in the United States House of Representatives for Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. He was a Representative from 1991 to 1997. In this role, he worked on a committee that suggested ways to improve Congress. Many of these ideas were later put into action.

Becoming a U.S. Senator

In 1996, Allard was elected to the United States Senate. He won against Tom Strickland in the main election. When he ran, he promised to serve only two terms as a Senator. He kept this promise. In 2002, he was re-elected, again defeating Tom Strickland.

Senatorial Responsibilities

As a U.S. Senator, Allard worked on several important committees. These committees help decide how the government spends money and makes laws.

• Committee on Appropriations (which handles government spending)
  • Interior Subcommittee
  • Legislative Branch Subcommittee
  • Energy and Water Development Subcommittee
  • Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee
  • Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
  • Transportation/HUD Subcommittee
• Committee on the Budget (which plans the government's money)
• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (which deals with banks, homes, and city development)
  • Securities, Insurance, and Investment Subcommittee
  • Financial Institutions Subcommittee
  • Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee
• Committee on Health, Education,, Labor, and Pensions (which focuses on health, schools, jobs, and retirement)
  • Subcommittee on Children and Families
  • Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety

Important Work as Senator

In 2007, Senator Allard announced he would retire in January 2009. This was to keep his promise of serving only two terms. He supported Mitt Romney for president at first, then switched his support to John McCain.

In 2008, the National Journal newspaper ranked him as one of the most conservative U.S. Senators. This ranking was based on how he voted on different issues.

Protecting the Environment

Wayne Allard worked on several environmental issues. He helped create the James Peak Wilderness Bill. This bill protected a large area of land around James Peak. He also sponsored a law that created Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This park protects huge sand dunes.

Allard also led the Senate Renewable Energy and Efficiency Caucus. This group worked to promote clean energy and efficient use of resources.

Some environmental groups had mixed views on his record. They praised him for supporting laws that made the Army Corps of Engineers more responsible for their projects' environmental impact. However, they criticized him for supporting oil drilling in some areas.

Life After the Senate

After leaving the Senate in 2009, Wayne Allard began working for The Livingston Group. This company helps different groups talk to the government. In 2011, he also started working with the American Motorcycle Association. He helped them with their government relations.

Personal Life

Wayne Allard married Joan Malcolm in 1967. She also studied at Colorado State University. Together, they started their own animal hospital. They raised their two daughters, Christi and Cheryl, in Loveland, Colorado. They now have five grandsons. Wayne Allard is a Protestant.

In 2007, Allard wrote a book called Colorado's U.S. Senators: A Biographical Guide. The book shares information about Colorado's past U.S. Senators.

Election History

Wayne Allard ran in many elections throughout his career. Here are some of the results:

1996 Race for U.S. Senate – Republican Primary

• Wayne Allard (R), 57%
• Gale Norton (R), 43%

See also

In Spanish: Wayne Allard para niños

• 2008 United States Senate election in Colorado