John B. Shadegg (born October 22, 1949), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1995, representing the 3rd District of Arizona (map). While Shadegg promised voters that he would adhere to the "term limits" they approved, Shadegg broke his three term promise and is now in his sixth term. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, was educated at the University of Arizona B.A. 1972 J.D. 1975, served in the Arizona Air National Guard from 1969 to 1975, and was a lawyer, a special counsel to the Arizona state House Republican caucus from 1991-1992, special assistant attorney general in the State of Arizona 1983-1990, and an advisor to the United States Sentencing Commission before entering the House. He has established a reputation in Congress as a leading advocate for reduced government spending, federal tax relief, and the re-establishment of state and individual rights. He is also known for controversial remarks; he has called liberal filmmaker Michael Moore the "anti-Christ," and said that people who voted for John Kerry for President in 2004 "have mental health problems." He also said of a Bill Clinton environmental policy, "I would draw a parallel to Hitler. He eroded the will of the German people to resist evil." .
Shadegg was recently elected Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the fifth-ranking position in the House Leadership below the Majority Leader. He is the only member of the Republican Class of 1994 currently serving in leadership. He was a key player on the leadership team of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
Shadegg claims to have never met DeLay associate and lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In 2005, he did return US$ 6,900 he received from parties linked to Abramoff. Shadegg explained that he accepted through a former associate who, unbeknownst to him, had become affiliated with Abramoff.
From 2000 to 2002, Congressman Shadegg served as chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the largest conservative organization in the House of Representatives. Under Shadegg's leadership, the organization grew from 40 to more than 70 members, and became the most influential and respected force in the U.S. House shaping conservative policy for the country.
On January 13, 2006 Shadegg officially joined the race for the House Majority Leader as a compromise alternative candidate to Representatives Roy Blunt and John Boehner. On Feb. 2, after Shadegg came third in the first ballot, his supporters switched to second place Boehner, ensuring Boehner's election on the second ballot. Shadegg is also the son of Steve Shadegg of Arizona, who managed Barry Goldwater's 1952 and 1958 US Senate races and organized the Draft Goldwater movement in the 1964 presidential campaign. Shadegg did not, however, manage Goldwater's general election campaign in 1964.
