Melissa Bean

Melissa Luburich Bean (born January 22, 1962) is an American politician who was the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district from 2005 to 2011. Bean, who is of Serb origin, is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early life, education, and business career

Bean graduated from Oakton Community College with an Associate degree in 1982 and from Roosevelt University in 2002 with a Bachelor's degree. Prior to her election to Congress, she was president of a home-based business, Sales Resources Inc., which counted many Fortune 1000 companies as clients.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

In 2002, Bean ran against 73-year-old 8th District Republican incumbent Phil Crane. She charged that Crane, once a leader of conservative forces in the House, had become a "do-nothing" Congressman. Her campaign focus was on lobbyist-funded trips that he had taken. She lost, but gained 43% of the vote. This was unexpected since she had received very little funding from the national party. The 8th had historically been the most Republican district in the Chicago area, and by some accounts was the most Republican district in all of Illinois. Bean's performance was even more notable since the 8th had reportedly been redrawn to protect Crane.