George Butterfield

George Kenneth Butterfield, Jr. commonly known as G. K. Butterfield, a Democrat, has represented the First Congressional District of North Carolina since 2004.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Bio
Born April 27, 1947, Butterfield was educated at North Carolina Central University, receiving degrees in sociology and political science. He earned his Juris Doctor from the same university.

Before his election to Congress, Butterfield was an attorney and an elected judge on the North Carolina Superior Court (1989 to 2001). In 2001, he was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court. In 2002, Butterfield lost his seat on the Supreme Court and returned to the Superior Court via a special appointment and served until his retirement in May 2004.

Congressional career
Butterfield was elected to Congress in a special election held on July 20, 2004 to fill the unexpired term of Rep. Frank Ballance, who resigned. On the same day, Butterfield won the Democratic primary for the general election to be held in November 2004; he faced Republican Greg Dority and won his first full term with 63% of the popular vote.

2006 elections
No major candidates announced their intentions to contest Butterfield’s seat in the November 2006 election. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)

Money in politics
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Committees and Affiliations

 * Director, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Energy and Commerce
 * Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection
 * Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
 * Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on Conservation Credit Rural Development and Research
 * Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
 * Subcommittee on Department Operations Oversight Dairy Nutrition and Forestry
 * House Committee on Armed Services
 * Subcommittee on Readiness
 * Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces


 * Member, Congressional Black Caucus

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Wilson Daily's political blog