Philip M. Crane

Congressman Philip M. Crane (R.-Ill.) (1930- ) is a former American politician. He was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 2005, representing the 8th District of Illinois in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. At the time of his defeat in the 2004 election, Crane was the longest-serving Republican member of the House.

As of 1990, "Congressman Crane is the third ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, with jurisdiction over energy, taxes, trade, Medicare, welfare reform and Social Security. He serves as the vice chairman of the Trade Subcommittee and is currently on the Republican Research Committee’s Task Force on Foreign Policy.

"A recognized leader of conservatives in the House of Representatives, the congressman announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President on Aug. 2, 1978, which stands as the earliest declaration in history...

"Congressman Crane is a member of the Board of Advisors of the John M. Ashbrook Center, as well as a trustee of Ashland University and Hillsdale College. He is a director of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, a member of the advisory board of the Young Americans for Freedom and a former chairman of the American Conservative Union. Also, he is the founder and served as chairman in 1984 of the Republican Study Committee.

"His professional affiliations have included the American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, International Platform Association, The Philadelphia Society, University Professors for Academic Order and The Capitol Historical Society.

"Congressman Crane’s varied career as a farmer, teacher, soldier, historian, politician and author has brought him many honors and awards. He and his wife of 31 years, Arlene, are the parents of eight children."


 * Emeriti Trustee, Fund for American Studies
 * Former Advisor, Western Goals Foundation