Robert (Rob) J. Curnock (pronounced ker’-nok) is a Republican candidate for Congress in Texas’ District 17. Being a Waco businessman, Rob knows firsthand how to be fiscally responsible, create jobs, and work with people. His work experience as an employee and an employer, knowledge of government regulations and excessive taxation, and ability to work and communicate with others will help bring common sense solutions to our nation’s capitol.

As a child, Rob quickly learned about patriotism and those who put their country first. His father was a World War II veteran who spent his entire career working at Hines Veterans Hospital as a research orthotist, helping severely injured and paralyzed vets.

In order to pay for college, Rob worked full time at the Chevrolet Tonawanda Forge plant, making auto parts. His solid work ethic helped him advance to a position in charge of various production lines. Rob also became a UAW member, as the plant was a “closed” shop.

While working full time, Rob also attended the University of Buffalo as a business major.
He eventually transferred to Baylor University, changed his major to communications and completed his degree in 1981.

Shortly thereafter, Rob began his broadcasting career at KWTX-TV in Waco as a general assignment reporter. This gave him the opportunity to cover many political candidates, campaigns, and government activities. Rob says, “In covering politics, I would see that what a politician said in front of voters was very different from how they acted in chambers. A desire was beginning to build within me to bring integrity to government.”  

Rob has always been a sports fan. His knowledge and love of sports helped promote him to weekend sports anchor at KWTX-TV, while still keeping his reporting duties during the week.  Rob is an avid tennis player, enjoys skiing, playing softball and chess, going to football games, and has been known to lose a few golf balls while playing 18 holes.

In 1985, with the emergence of the videotape industry, Rob started a video and production services company in Waco called Dub-L Tape. As his business grew, it demanded more of his time, and he left KWTX-TV in 1991. “Owning my own business allowed me to settle down in Central Texas,” says Curnock. “Having lived in big cities, I enjoy this area so much, its size, the proximity to other places in Texas and the people. It’s a great place to live … except for the allergies.”

Rob’s interest in politics began during the Reagan years. He’s been the Public Relations Director for the McLennan County Republican Party, a precinct chairman, a county and state delegate to the GOP conventions, and has served as an election judge. In 2000 and 2002 he ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for Congress. Rob was appointed by then Governor Bush to a state panel on small business and has been reappointed by Governor Perry.

Rob’s labor, broadcasting, and business experience has taught him the importance of being flexible, how to listen and communicate with others, and how important it is to protect our  individual rights. Rob said, “I’m not in this race because I need or want a second career … I’m in this race because we need to bring conservative values back to Washington and not the policies of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, which my opponent supports.”

Rob lives in Waco with his wife Karen, a school teacher, and their dog, Maggie.