State Senator Ed Schrock
The Republican: Virginia's 2nd
Congressional District

In a district where the military is king, Republican Ed Schrock, 61, is hoping a Naval career and five years of service in the Virginia State Senate will pave the way to victory in his bid to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Owen Pickett in Virginia's 2nd District.

After graduating from Alderson-Broaddus College, Schrock entered the Navy at age 23 and served two tours in Vietnam. After the war, he earned a master's degree in public relations from American University, and handled public relations for the recommissioning of the battleship USS New Jersey. He ended his Naval career in 1988 with a captain's rank and after serving as director of public affairs at the headquarters of the NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Norfolk.

After six years as an investment broker, Schrock ran the first of two successful campaigns for the Virginia Senate, representing the 7th senatorial district, in the northwest and central western portions of Virginia Beach. In the Senate, Schrock voted to ban partial-birth abortions, and this term, to protect gun manufacturers from government lawsuits.

He also voted to guarantee Virginians' right to "hunt, fish and harvest game." He supported legislation to cut taxes on property and food, and opposed allowing patients to sue their HMOs.

This year, in his bid to move from state to national politics, Schrock has maintained his position on guns and health care, while also pledging to lower taxes. He blasted the Clinton administration for what he called its failure to cut the country's dependence on foreign oil. He has continued his support for increased military spending, as do most candidates in the 2nd district -- the home of the world's largest Naval base.

Schrock is married, has one child, and resides in Virginia Beach.