View source

{{Infobox_Congressman_Democrat|name = Dmitri Vassily Kowalchuk |image = http://pic90.picturetrail.com:80/VOL2358/11516225/20414375/337707685.jpg |date_of_birth = January 3,1979 |place_of_birth = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |state = Florida |region = Seminole, Gulf Coast|district = 11th Congressional district |term_start= 2007 |party = Democratic Party 
|previous_offices = None |spouse = Single |religion = Ukrainian Orthodox |residence= Tampa Bay, Florida |occupation= Left Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning |education= Pittsburgh Public Schools}}


== '''Dmitri Vassily Kowalchuk''' ==

Dmitri Vassily Kowalchuk was born January 3, 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Ukrainian Immigrants Ivan and Tatiana Kowalchuk. Dmitri was the middle child of three and the first of his family born in the United States. Dmitri's early years were spent learning two languages at ounce. Most of his extended family spoke Ukrainian so he had to learn it and in America you couldn't survive without English. This though a blessing later on confused young Dmitri who would sometimes butcher his sentences together into a weird mix of the two.

Dmitri began school in the Pittsburgh public schools at the regular age and was very proud of himself the first day he went to class. Although his accent, which was a present from a household that spoke mostly Ukrainian in privacy, would get him made fun of a lot. They would tease him calling his commie and ruski, two names which would later anger Dmitri to no end. Dmitri was fairly good in school. He could read very well for his age despite his somewhat poorer speaking ability. He loved to read about Imperial Russia and the Revolutionary War. He dreamed that one day his family back in Ukraine could have their own revolution and be free.

Dmitri's life changed forever when in Middle School he found something he was good at, hockey. He loved it. The feel of the ice under his skates, the sound of the puck gliding down the rink, and the buzz of the goal horn. Dmitri earned a spot on the Middle School team and helped carry them to the State Finals where they slaughtered York. Dmitri would continue his hockey career into High School where he became the captain of his team. In High School he had his first real girlfriend. She was beautiful, smart, and was the first girl he ever met that wasn't the least bit concerned about where his family was from. He and her dated for 7 months before she decided to break it off and became entangled with a football player. Dmitri took this time to leave the dating circle and focus entirely on his game. It would pay off big time.

After a game against nearby Pine Richland, Dmitri got called over to talk to a man dressed very formally. He told Dmitri he had been watching him for awhile and he liked what he saw. He offered Dmitri a chance at the big time. The Tampa Bay Lightning wanted Dmitri and they were prepared to shell out the dough to get him there. Dmitri thought about it but only for a second. This was what he had always wanted, the chance to give his family everything they ever wanted. He said yes and was drafter later that year as the Tampa Bay's first pick in the draft.

Dmitri moved to Tampa Bay and became the star he always wanted to be. Life was excellent. He took his spare time enjoying reading about history and studying on the politics of the day. He enjoyed watching the debates of the presidential elections. It led him to become more involved in the party he felt best represented the common man, the Democratic Party. He donated as much as he could. Of course this got the notice of Democratic Higher ups in the region. They would invite him to campaign events and dinners. Everyone wanted the support of the young star. Dmitri would continue to play for Tampa till he retired in 2008 to run for office at the request of party officials in Florida. They wanted a common man. A man who proved money and power couldn't change him. A man of principle. That was Dmitri in and out.

== '''Elections''' ==

{{USGSElect|area= Florida's 11th District
|race_type= Congressional Seat
|race_year= 2006
|candidateGOP= Eddie Adams Jr.
|statusGOP= Challenger
|candidateDEM= Dmitri V. Kowalchuk
|statusDEM= Challenger
|percentGOP= 32
|percentDEM= 68
}}