John Sarbanes is a low-key, policy-minded lawmaker in the mold of his father Paul Sarbanes, who served in Congress for 36 years. His profile has grown in recent years as he’s focused on curbing corruption in politics and government. Like his dad, Sarbanes is a dependable Democratic vote, and he espouses a vigorous role for the federal government in providing a social safety net, modern transportation infrastructure, education, job training, and defense of minorities’ rights. He clerked for Judge J. Frederick Motz of the federal district court in Baltimore and practiced law at Venable LLP for 18 years, six of them as chairman of the firm’s health-care practice.

Learn what John Sarbanes says about finding common ground