Meet the Lawmaker: Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio)

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what lawmakers would you want to be stuck with?
Latta: I’m not sure you should answer questions like that — could get you in trouble quickly. There are a lot of people who have unique and diverse characters. It would be tough to say.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Latta: Maybe a cowboy.

If you were going to be played in a movie, who would you want to play you?
Latta: I don’t go to movies anymore. How about Clint Eastwood?

Do you believe in UFOs?
Latta: No. Is that a real question? Nope, not at all. I don’t believe in ghosts either.

If you weren’t a politician what would you be?
Latta: My background is being an attorney, but I think possibly an Army officer. I’ve gone through ROTC, [but] I went to law school instead.

Finish this sentence. My favorite place in the whole world is…
Latta: Possibly the most gorgeous place I’ve ever been is Yosemite National Park.

What was the worst moment of your life?
Latta: Every day is a good day. I just can’t think of something I consider a real bad day. The Lord gives you challenges and you rise to meet them. I lost a congressional election but that wasn’t the worst day of my life.

Have you ever smoked marijuana?
Latta: Nope. I’m not a cigarette smoker. In my mom’s family there were seven kids. Four smoked and lost their teeth. In my dad’s family, one smoked and lost teeth. I don’t believe in drugs. I don’t drink. I just like being able to enjoy life as it is presented to me. I gave up drinking Diet Coke seven years ago.

So no vices?
Latta: I would like to have a few! [Laughs.] I like to hunt and spend time outdoors.

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