College graduate. Formerly: 20 years as a technology and business leader in Virginia before entering public office; early investor in the cellular telephone business, co-founded the company that became Nextel and invested in hundreds of start-up technology companies that created tens of thousands of jobs. 2002-06, Governor of Virginia; upon leaving office, Virginia was ranked as the best state for business, the best managed state, and the best state in which to receive a public education. 2008, elected to the US Senate; 2014, re-elected; serves on the Senate Finance, Banking, Budget, and Intelligence committees; bipartisan leader who has worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to cut red tape, increase government performance and accountability, and promote private sector innovation and job creation; has been recognized as a national leader in fighting for military men and women and veterans, and in working to find bipartisan, balanced solutions to address the country's debt and deficit.