He received a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, in 1977 from Southwest Missouri State University.

From 2006 to 2014, he was a shareholder at Baird, Lightner, Millsap & Harpool, PC, in Springfield, where he handled a broad array of civil litigation.

[1] Harpool was the plaintiff's lawyer of a high-profile court case involving the Republic School District.

Senator John Lamping and many in opposition voiced their concerns over the proposed map because it would eliminate his district altogether.

[7][8] On Thursday March 13, 2014 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid filed a motion to invoke cloture on the nomination.