Thomas was born in Wallace, Idaho, moving with his parents to the Southern California area. He graduated from Garden Grove High School, attended Santa Ana College, earning an associate\'s degree before transferring to San Francisco State University, where he earned his bachelor\'s degree and master\'s degree in political science in 1963 and 1965, respectively. He became an instructor at Bakersfield College before running for and winning a seat in the California State Assembly in 1974. He won election to the House of Representatives in 1978, representing the 18th congressional district.\n', '

Thomas married the former Sharon Lynn Hamilton in 1968. They have two grown children. He and his wife are Baptists.[citation needed]\n', '

When Washingtonian magazine polled congressional aides on the "best and worst" of Congress, Thomas was voted #2 for "brainiest", #3 for "workhorse", and #1 for "meanest" and overwhelmingly for "hottest temper" in the House. Thomas is known for being able to comprehend and communicate the intricacies of obscure legislative matters, studying testimony and research reports himself instead of relying on executive summaries from his aides. Thomas is also known for losing his temper when people are unprepared, earning a reputation for sharp interrogations. "He\'s revered, but he\'s also reviled to some degree", fellow representative Mark Foley told CQ Weekly.\n', '

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