Dr. Greg Rabidoux, is currently an Assistant Professor of American Politics and Constitutional Law at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville , Tennessee . Greg announced his candidacy for Tennessee ’s 7th Congressional District in June of 2009. Born in a rural, farming area of Connecticut , Greg is the youngest of three children. He and his wife Mara – who teaches Spanish at APSU– have one son, Valentin, who began his public education this fall.

Greg got the “political bug” early in life from his Grandfather who was a State Representative and small business owner. His Grandmother also encouraged this interest in politics and public service through her own many years of volunteerism to the party and shared causes. Honored for his academic excellence and keen interest in American Government while in High School, Greg was named a delegate to and attended the Boys State held that year at the US Coast Guard Academy. This experience reinforced his commitment to pursuing an education in politics and law. Greg comes from a long-line of working class men and women, with many having proudly served their country in the military. His Dad and Uncle both served in the US Air Force and his Great-Uncle was a highly decorated fighter pilot in the Korean War. Greg’s grandparents were factory workers who helped instill in Greg the pride in knowing that you do an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage.

A consistent Dean’s list honoree throughout school, Greg received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut in political science and journalism and his Master’s of Arts degree from The American University in Washington , DC in public policy and International Relations. Years later, as a non-traditional student working full-time during the day and attending school at night, he earned his PH.D from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in American Government and later, his JD from Marquette University Law School .

Greg’s work experience includes having been a successful business trainer and manager, working for a US Member of Congress, the United Nations in New York and teaching as well as practicing law and politics. Greg has consistently received outstanding student evaluations over the last ten years for his informative, engaging and motivational style of teaching. His wife Mara, a former NCAA Division I All-American tennis player, also worked several jobs while attending school. Both Mara and Greg have served as athletic coaches at the collegiate level.

Greg has been preparing himself throughout his life for public service in government. Such thorough preparation includes his doctoral research dissertation “Are American Tax Payers Receiving the Municipal Services they Have Paid For?” which is an in-depth analysis of how we can achieve more effective, affordable government through better, more fiscally sound public management. And more recently, when not teaching his policy and constitutional law classes, Greg found time to exhaustively research and write a book – Hollywood Politicos, Then and Now – (April 2009, Rowman and Littlefield Publishers) which has received top reviews at amazon.com.

He is a member of and campus advisor to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, whose membership is based on Christian principles. Greg also serves on the Board of Directors for the Arts and Heritage Development Council of Clarksville, Tennessee which sponsored this year’s Tobacco Heritage Tour. Greg and Mara are Christian and members of the Clarksville YMCA. When not working or on the campaign trail, Greg is an avid sportsman and enthusiastic football fan.