[Retiring at end of current term.] Jim Cooper, a self-described “nerd,” is known within his party as a health care, space exploration and budget expert who immerses himself in the minutiae of policy and often chastises members of both parties for being too partisan. His voting record shows that he strays from his party more often than the average Democrat, and many interest groups find him hard to pigeonhole. Cooper has focused on defense, the budget, health care, and voting rights.

Learn what Jim Cooper says about finding common ground