Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Ernest Istook's career began at the University of Oklahoma. He shuffled between several different jobs before he entered journalism. With his father's help, he became the editor of the "Oklahoma Daily" newspaper in 1938
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He was elected to Congress in 1942 and served for two terms, 1943–45. During World War II, he worked as an editorial cartoonist for the Stars and Stripes. He returned to politics after graduating law school and graduating with honors from the National War College.
He served as Secretary of Agriculture under President Gerald Ford (1975–77). He then served as Secretary of Commerce under President Ronald Reagan (1981–85). Mr.
Istook's work has been honored by numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor awarded to civilians by the United States government; The American Bar Association's Gold Medal; The Newspaper Publishers Association's Silver Anvil; The Franklin Institute; The American Society of Newspaper Editors; The National Press Club; The Radio-Television News Directors Association; The National Association of Broadcasters; The Associated Press Managing Editors Foundation Award, and numerous others.