Max Baucus
U.S. Senator
Democrat, Montana
- Date of Birth: December 11, 1941
- Birthplace: Helena, Mont.
- First Elected: 1978
Committee Assignments:
Joint Committee on Taxation, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senate Committee on FinanceMax Baucus is the longest serving Senator in Montana's history, a post he has held since being elected at age 37 in 1978. Baucus was born in Helena, Montana and, after his parents separated, grew up near his maternal grandfather's Sieben Ranch. Baucus attended Stanford University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1964 and a law degree in 1967. After graduating from law school, Baucus went to work for the Securities and Exchange Commission until 1971, when he began practicing law in Missoula, Montana. He was elected to the House in 1973. In the Senate, Baucus is known for reaching across the aisle to craft and pass legislation with Republicans, often with the help of his close friend and colleague, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. Baucus took criticism from his Democratic colleagues when he supported President George W. Bush's tax cuts in 2001. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, all of President Obama's major proposals from the stimulus bill to healthcare reform must pass through his committee. Baucus was the central figure in getting healthcare reform passed, a goal he had established even before Obama took office. Baucus crafted a healthcare reform proposal in 2008 and tried to cater to Republicans' concern over the cost of government oversight and Democrats' desire for comprehensive coverage, although the final bill did not pass until over a year and several revisions later. But Baucus's campaign has come under fire for taking money from health insurance companies and healthcare providers, while he was crafting reform legislation. His 2008 campaign raised over $11 million dollars. In 2003, he finished a 50 mile ultra marathon after taking a serious fall and gashing his forehead. Two months later, he required emergency brain surgery because of the fall. Baucus has one son, Zeno, who is a Washington D.C. attorney.
Campaign Fundraising
2005 - Present| Top 5 Organizations | PACs | Individuals | Total |
| Schering-Plough Corp | $2,000 | $65,149 | $67,149 |
| Goldman Sachs | $3,000 | $48,900 | $51,900 |
| KKR & Co | $0 | $47,000 | $47,000 |
| American International Group | $9,750 | $37,000 | $46,750 |
| Aetna Inc | $10,000 | $35,250 | $45,250 |
| Top 5 Industries | PACs | Individuals | Total |
| Insurance | $82,200 | $47,000 | $129,200 |
| Lobbyists | $2,500 | $82,700 | $85,200 |
| Health Professionals | $56,500 | $12,450 | $68,950 |
| Securities & Investment | $19,000 | $37,169 | $56,169 |
| Health Services | $30,750 | $23,150 | $53,900 |
Max Baucus in the News
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Pelosi Picks Loyalists for Debt 'Super Committee'
August 11, 2011
Any compromise is likely to come from senators. -
A Slim Chance for Compromise From Debt 'Super Committee'
August 10, 2011
There's some hope for compromise among "super committee" picks. - Report: Wall Street has filled 'supercommittee' campaign coffers Montana Democratic Sen. Max Baucus, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, was the biggest recipient of financial sector money, collecting nearly $6.2 million since 1989, the report from Public Campaign and National People's Action shows. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., was…
- Report: Wall Street fills debt-panel's coffers Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, was the biggest recipient of financial sector money, collecting nearly $6.2 million since 1989, the report from Public Campaign and National People's Action shows. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., was second…
- Congressional Super Committee short on state experience TAX AND BUDGET BEATWhen Chris Van Hollen was a freshman state legislator in Maryland in 1992, one of his first experiences was frustration with the federal government. He had successfully sponsored a bill to charge higher taxes on vehicles with poor gas mileage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration blocked the new law, however, saying it conflicted…
