The Illinois pedigree

Graduates of Southeastern Illinois College have a history of becoming influential figures in Illinois politics. Former Illinois congressman David Phelps graduated from Southeastern in 1967. From there, he went on to Southern Illinois University and got a degree in social studies in 1969. Phelps spent the next few years as an educator. After working as a teacher, he became a school administrator. Phelps began his career in politics as a member of the Illinois General Assembly, where he worked for 15 years. In 1998, Phelps was elected to represent the 19th district of Illinois in the United States Congress as a Democrat. He served in the House of Representatives until 2003 when his district was redrawn to include some of the more conservative areas of southern Illinois.