Robert Russell Whittaker

Robert Russell Whittaker (born September 18, 1939) is an American medical professional, specifically an optometrist, and a former six-term U.S. Representative from Kansas, serving in the United States Congress from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1991. A member of the Republican Party, he represented his Kansas constituency during a significant period in American political history and contributed to the legislative process over the course of six consecutive terms in the House of Representatives.

Whittaker was born in Eureka, Kansas, and grew up in Greenwood County, where he was educated in the Greenwood County public schools. After completing his early education, he attended the University of Kansas from 1957 to 1959. He continued his studies at Emporia State University during the summer of 1959, further preparing for a professional career in the health sciences.

Pursuing optometry as his profession, Whittaker enrolled at the Illinois College of Optometry, where he earned his Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree in 1962. Following his graduation, he began practice as an optometrist, establishing himself in the medical field. By 1973, he had advanced to become clinic director for the Kansas Low Vision Clinic, a role that reflected both his clinical expertise and his interest in improving services for individuals with impaired vision.

Whittaker’s initial involvement in public affairs came at the local level. From 1970 to 1974, he served as a precinct committeeman and as a member of the city planning commission, gaining experience in grassroots politics and municipal governance. Building on this foundation, he was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he served from 1974 to 1977. His tenure in the state legislature provided him with legislative experience and a platform from which to seek higher office.

In 1978, Whittaker was elected as a Republican to the Ninety-sixth Congress and subsequently won reelection to the five succeeding Congresses, serving a total of six terms from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1991. During these years in the U.S. House of Representatives, he participated in the democratic process at the federal level, representing the interests of his Kansas constituents and contributing to national policymaking during a period marked by significant economic, social, and international developments. He chose not to be a candidate for renomination in 1990 to the One Hundred Second Congress, thereby concluding his congressional service at the end of his sixth term.

After leaving Congress, Whittaker continued to apply his legislative experience in the private sector. He was hired as a senior legislative analyst at Fleishman-Hillard, a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying and public relations firm, where he worked on policy analysis and government relations. In his later years, he has resided in Colorado Springs, Colorado, maintaining his connection to public affairs as a former member of Congress and medical professional.