A native of Iowa, Jim Nussle served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget from September 10, 2007, until the end of the presidency of George W. Bush. Nussle is of Danish descent and studied in Denmark during high school. He received a bachelor’s in international studies, political science and economics from Luther College in 1983 and a JD degree from Drake University in Des Moines in 1985. Upon his graduation, Nussle was elected the Delaware County attorney in Manchester, Iowa, taking on law enforcement and prosecution duties for the county. 

 

Nussle ran for the House of Representatives seat vacated by Tom Tauke in 1990 and won. In 1992, Nussle ran again for the 2nd district of Iowa following reapportionment that combined two districts into one. He served as a Republican member of the House of Representatives from 1991 to 2007. Nussle became Chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2001 and brought international attention to his district through programs like the ONE Campaign, the lobbying group formed by Bono of the rock band U2. During his 16 years in the Congress, Nussle served on several key committees, including the Agriculture, Banking and Ways and Means Committees.  

 

When Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack announced that he would not seek a third term in 2006, Nussle announced his intention to run for the position. Nussle won the Republican gubernatorial primary but lost the general election to Chet Culver in November 2006. Following the election, Nussle retired from Congress and started his own lobbying firm, where he worked until joining OMB.