Growing up the third of six children in a blue-collar, working class family—His father a union worker and his mother a part-time secretary at the family’s parish church—Pat was taught the values of hard work and self-reliance. His dedication and discipline as a student earned him entry to Harvard University; his perseverance and part-time jobs allowed him to earn his degree.

Pat’s determination served him well as an entrepreneur and a small business owner when he and his brothers started a successful family-owned restaurant chain from scratch in several locations in Pennsylvania. Pat again found success and fulfillment representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District in Congress for three consecutive terms.

Pat was one of Congress's leading advocates for limited government and personal freedom. He led efforts to expand tax cuts and reduce wasteful spending. And because of his exemplary leadership on the economic front, he received top scores from national fiscal watchdog groups such as Citizens against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, the National Taxpayers Union, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Most recently, Pat served as president of the limited government, free-enterprise advocacy organization, The Club for Growth.

Pat lives in Zionsville, Pa. with his wife Kris and their two children.