Raul Labrador for Idaho

Thank You For the Big Victory!

China — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:17:13 +0000

Thank You for the Big Victory!

I would like to thank the 72,000 Republican 1st Congressional District Republican voters who took part in the election yesterday.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who made it possible for us to achieve such a tremendous victory, breaking above the 80% mark of support from 1st Congressional District Republicans. There is no way I could have won without each of you. I have the best family, friends, volunteers and supporters. I am truly grateful for each one of you.

Through her unwavering support, my beautiful wife Becca has made it possible for me to be successful in DC and on the campaign trail. I can fight for you in Congress because I have such an amazing wife who lovingly takes care of our home and children. Thank you to my 5 wonderful children, Michael, Katerina, Josh, Diego and Rafael, for their love, support and patience with my schedule as I balance work and family time. And as always during these special occasions, the absence of my mother is deeply felt.

The election in November is of great importance because we are in a battle for America’s future, and the future our children and grandchildren. Each of us wants future generations to have the same opportunity to achieve the American Dream as we had growing up.

Now that I have been fighting for Idaho values in DC for almost 2 years, I must tell you, it has never been clearer—we must stop the destructive policies of the Obama administration. We must continue to fight for America’s future– because it is worth fighting for. We will need every single one of you to help get the message out that the Republican Party is the party that gives the power to individuals through less government interference, less taxes and less spending.

Primary elections allow Republicans to have frank discussions about the future and direction of the party. They also allow Republican candidates an opportunity to become better candidates. But now the polls are closed and, my friends, the Republican voters have spoken. The slate of Republican candidates for November has been selected and we need to get behind the nominees.

My friends, our country needs each of you to work towards major Republican victories this November. Knock on doors and make phone calls letting every voter know that there is a clear choice in this election— let them know they need to choose between two futures:

Democrats want to make citizens more reliant on government and continue to expand the size and role of government.

Republicans want to encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and to shrink the size of the federal government.
The choice is yours!

Let’s get out there and work hard for these candidates who were nominated last night. Let’s work hard to elect Republicans in November. Let’s work together for a freer and brighter future for America.

God bless you, God bless America.

AP: Labrador Goes From Underdog to Favorite

China — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:31:11 +0000

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador may have learned how to raise money, heading into Tuesday’s Republican primary with nearly six times the campaign cash he had two years ago when he was an underfunded underdog.

But the freshman congressman insists he hasn’t lost his independent streak.

“I’m still an outsider,” said Labrador, 44, who rode a wave of tea party support into office but declined to join the conservative movement’s congressional caucus.

A Puerto Rican born immigration attorney and former state lawmaker from Eagle, Labrador was heavily outspent in the 2010 primary when he beat Republican Vaughn Ward, and again when he ousted Democrat Walt Minnick in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District.

In the 2012 primary, however, Labrador has $200,000 in cash on hand while defending his seat against a truck driver from Moscow.

Reed McCandless, 50, didn’t file a campaign finance report and couldn’t be reached for comment by The Associated Press. In March, McCandless told the Moscow-Pullman Daily News that he was a “fed-up Republican” compelled to run by his disdain for the current political climate.

Labrador’s filing shows he’s collected $270,000 in individual contributions since 2011. He collected another $200,000 from political action committees, with top U.S. House Republicans Paul Ryan and Eric Cantor each kicking in $5,000, support Labrador attributes to his willingness to work with others.

“I know how to say no and I know how to fight for my principles. But my goal is always to get to yes,” Labrador said. “Some people go to Congress or the legislature to always say no … I always try to take a piece of legislation and say ‘I don’t agree with this specific piece of legislation, but I could get to yes if you changed X, Y and Z.’”

He cited the federal debt ceiling.

Last fall, Labrador was among House Republicans who withheld support for raising the nation’s borrowing limit until the bill featured a constitutional balanced budget amendment. The plan passed the House but was jettisoned in the Senate.

A bitterly fought compromise approved by both chambers in August prevented a U.S. default and cut $2.4 trillion in government spending. Labrador was the only member of Idaho’s congressional delegation to vote against that plan.

Labrador’s challenger in the GOP primary hasn’t publicly taken issue with his record in Congress.
“I’m not going to sit there and pat him on the back at this point,” McCandless told the Daily News. “I think he would like a challenge. I think he would enjoy that.”
In the Democratic primary, former NFL player Jimmy Farris was the only candidate to file a finance report. He’s raised $27,489 and had $7,169 in cash on hand as of April 25, according to his report.
Farris, 34, grew up in Lewiston and played at the University of Montana before landing in the NFL in 2001. His professional career spanned parts of seven seasons before wrapping up in 2007. He moved back to his home state last year before launching his congressional bid.

He’s been campaigning for about six months, meeting with Democrats and working to solidify the party. Some advised the political newcomer to start with a less ambitious goal and run for the state Legislature, said Idaho Democrat Party Chairman Larry Grant, who first met with Farris late last summer.
“It only took about 5 minutes to figure out that he had bigger ambitions,” said Grant, who recalls that upon meeting with Farris a second time, he asked: “When the last’s time a coach told you to hold back? He said ‘never.’”

In the primary, Farris faces Cynthia Clinkingbeard, who was charged with felony aggravated assault in March after police say she went to Staples to have some campaign flyers made and then threatened employees with a gun. A judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Clinkingbeard, who has a history of bipolar disorder.
Farris declined a proposed debate on Idaho Public Television, citing Clinkingbeard’s legal and mental health issues. As a Democrat running in one of the nation’s most Republican districts, Farris lamented not having the opportunity to boost his profile with voters.
“Jimmy’s concern is that he has been gone from the state for quite a while,” Grant said. “This is a difficult district, it’s 500 miles long, and it runs from Canada to Nevada. So you really have to get out there and hustle to meet the people that you need to meet.”
Also running for the U.S. House seat is Libertarian Rob Oates, of Caldwell, and an independent anti-abortion candidate whose legal name now is Pro-Life.

Idaho Statesman: The primary is Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know.

China — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:34 +0000

The primary is Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know.

Three major changes have occurred since the last congressional and legislative primary election:

1. Closed Republican primary: Only people who affiliate with the party may vote in the GOP primary.

2. Redistricting: Many people will be in a different congressional or legislative district.

3. Your County*: Precinct boundaries and polling places have been overhauled for the first time in three decades. This means many voters will have a new polling place or will be in a different precinct. Find your precinct location by contacting your county clerk or click here.

On Election Day

• Polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• You can look up your polling place here. Also, a mailing sent to all registered voters from each County Clerk* include each voter’s legislative district, precinct and polling place.

• Look up your county clerk here: Find Your Clerk’s Contact Info/Location(or in the Treasure Valley call Ada County Elections at 287-6860 or Canyon County Elections at 454-7562) to confirm your polling place.

Three things to do at your polling place

1. Show a photo ID or sign a personal identification affidavit.

2. Select your party affiliation: Constitution, Democrat, Libertarian, Republican or unaffiliated.

3. Select your ballot: The three options are Democrat, Republican (both of which also include the nonpartisan candidates) or nonpartisan only.

Only Republicans may vote in the new closed GOP primary. People who affiliate Republican, however, are able to select any one of the three ballots.

Those who affiliate Constitution, Democrat or Libertarian, as well as those who choose to remain unaffiliated, may select the Democratic or the nonpartisan ballot.

You need to know this: The nonpartisan-only ballot contains only judicial races and a few special district measures.

Absentee ballots

Voters who have received an absentee ballot must return them to their county elections office by close of business on* Election Day, May 15.

• Ada County Elections Office, 400 W. Benjamin Lane, Boise. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day.

• Canyon County Elections Office, 1102 E. Chicago, Caldwell. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day.

All Other Counties: Find your clerk here

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/05/14/2116621/primary-is-tuesday-may-15.html#storylink=cpy

*updated by RRL4I

Weekend Team Labrador Activities!

China — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:20:50 +0000

Join us for Election Activities this weekend:

Wednesday, May 9^th, 2012
Last day to request a Mail from Home Ballot (Absentee Ballot)
from your County Clerk.
Voter Info Here: http://tinyurl.com/7ezu4uv

Thursday, May 10^th, 2012
Volunteers start making phone calls from home reminding people to
vote for Raúl on election day. List and script provided.
Office (208) 938-2500

Friday, May 11^th, 2012
Canyon County Republicans Roundup:
Congressman Raúl Labrador to give remarks.
5:30-7 PM, Nampa Civic Center, 311 3^rd st South

Last day for in-person Absentee voting.
Info here: http://tinyurl.com/7ezu4uv

*Watch your mailbox for the Raúl Labrador for Idaho mailing!*

Saturday, May 12th 2012
Congressman Labrador Meet and Greet in Canyon County
5-8pm, Home of Lamont and Jorjette Bostrom
237 Holland Dr, Nampa, ID. RSVP: 208-407-0597

Monday, May 14^th, 2012
Call all of your friends and family and remind them to vote for Raúl on Tuesday!
Send your support of Congressman Labrador through emails, texts, and post on Facebook!

Afternoon Sign Waving in Meridian, Eagle, Nampa and Caldwell
Call Leiann: 208-870-4070

Meet and Greet for Marv Hagedorn and Reed Demordaunt
(District 14)
Raúl will be in attendance at a campaign event for his friends
Rep. Marv Hagedorn (for Idaho Senate) and Rep. Reed Demordaunt (Idaho House)
1512 E. Rivers End Court, Eagle
4:30-7 pm

Tuesday, May 15^th, 2012
ELECTION DAY!!
Find voter info here: http://tinyurl.com/7ezu4uv

Sign Waving
Join us in an energetic show of support for Congressman Labrador
Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell
Contact Leiann for more information:
208-870-4070

Election Night Celebration at State GOP Victory Headquarters
(DoubleTree) Riverside Hotel, Garden City
Party begins when the polls close at 8 pm.

Tuesday is the last day to make a donation for the 2012 Primary Election!

Click Here to Listen to The May 3, 2012 Interview on 670Kboi.com w/Nate Shelman

China — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:41:11 +0000

http://webcast1.fiberpipe.tv/channels/kboi/shelman/12-05-03-Shelman.mp3

Listen to Austin Hill on KIDO-AM Interview w/Congressman Raúl Labrador

China — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:41:24 +0000

Listen to Congressman Raúl Labrador with Austin Hill on 580 KIDO-AM

Just 2 Weeks Left Before Primary Election Day!

China — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:12:51 +0000

VOTE: Tuesday, MAY 15th, 2012

Raúl Labrador for Idaho Campaign Update…..

From Owyhee County to Boundary County, and Murphy to the beautiful Bonners Ferry, Raúl Labrador has spent his weekends home from D.C. travelling the first Congressional District talking to voters about issues concerning Idahoans. Congressman Labrador has heard you all loud and clear and he agrees with you!

He agrees with you that the biggest issues facing our country are the economy and the mounting debt we are leaving for our grandchildren.

While our country borrows 42 cents of every dollar to fund our government, we are falling deeper and deeper into a vulnerable place where our National Security is at risk. That’s why it is so important to send Congressman Labrador back to D.C. to keep fighting for our future.

Congressman Labrador has kept his promises to Idahoans. In the recent endorsement from the Idaho Statesman, they stated, “In his first term, Labrador has stayed true to his conservative beliefs on fiscal matters.” He has stood up in Washington DC as he said he would, on the real issues Idahoans care about concerning our debt, wasteful spending, and government over-regulation that hurts our economy.

During the debt ceiling negotiations, Raúl was credited as a “leader of the freshman class” for his work in securing a vote for a Balanced Budget Amendment for the first time since 1995. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he has fought for justice for the murder of Border Agent Brian Terry as a result of the Obama Administration’s disgraced “Fast and Furious” gunrunning program. After reviewing all of the significant findings, Raúl was the first Member of Congress to formally and courageously demand the resignation of Attorney General Holder for his failures as the nation’s most important agent of justice.

People have noticed the couragous steps Congressman Labrador have taken on behalf of Idahoans. He has recently accepted awards and endorsements from pro-conservative groups such as the Club for Growth, The National Rifle Association, The Reagan Republicans, and Americans for Prosperity. He has also received awards from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was endorsed by the Idaho Statesman newspaper.

To browse Congressman Labrador’s history in the 112th Congress, you may view his voting record here: http://www.labrador4idaho.com/issues/

Awards and Honors

Reagan Republicans:
Endorsement

Idaho Statesman:
Endorsement

Club for Growth:
A+ or 100 percent;
one of only nine members of Congress to earn this distinction.

Americans for Prosperity:
A+ or 100 percent.

Family Research Council:
100 percent.

American Conservative Union:
96 percent.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
94 percent; recipient of the “Spirit of Enterprise Award.”

National Taxpayers Union:
A or 89 percent.

Heritage Foundation:
87 percent.

National Rifle Association:
A.

How You can Help Raúl’s Re-Election
The Raúl Labrador for Idaho campaign is geared up for re-election! With the Primary Election just 2 weeks away, here are ways you can help with the efforts:

Make Phone Calls from Home: Contact the Campaign Office at (208) 938-2500 and we will send you a list and a simple script inviting voters to cast their ballot for Raúl.

Signs: If you already have a sign from the 2010 election, please place it near a busy road or intersection starting May 1st. Make sure to pick it up after Election Day.

Write a letter to the Editor: Have some words of support for Congressman Labrador? Say it in a letter to the editor! It’s one of the most often read sections of the paper and is a really important place to show support for Raúl. Visit the website at http://www.labrador4idaho.com/letter-to-the-editor/ for a useful tool to get your letter to your local paper.

Vote by Mail (absentee): The deadline to request a vote by mail ballot is quickly approaching (May 9th) so get your request in today! A early vote is a secured vote for Raúl and gets him one vote closer to victory– even before the polls open. Visit the website for all the info on voting by mail and absentee voting: http://tinyurl.com/7ezu4uv

Vote Early or in Person on Election Day at your County Elections Office: Find out where your early voting site is and it’s hours of operation here: http://www.idahovotes.gov/Clerk.htm
and/or your new polling location here: http://tinyurl.com/6uzrpj9

Talk to your friends about Raúl! Send text messages reminding friends to vote on May 15th.

Paid for by Raul Labrador for Idaho

ICYMI: Campaign Update, April 9th, 2012

China — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:10:24 +0000

On the campaign trail with Raúl Labrador….

My wife Becca and I have had an extremely busy last few months as we visited with Idahoans throughout the First Congressional District.

As the campaign continues to grow, the momentum is with Team Labrador as we sign up more and more volunteers. These volunteers are ready to stand with me as I continue to spread my positive message of government reform and restoring fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C.

We are gearing up at campaign headquarters to help Republicans to victory in November through phone calls, emails, knocking on doors, sending letters to the editor, talking to our friends and family. Every effort small or large will add up to our success on Election Day.

PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS
It was a historic day as I took time from my official duties as your Congressman to participate in the first Republican Presidential Caucus. I was honored to be asked to address the crowd of 9,000 in Ada County and speak about the importance of taking back the white house in November. As each of us cast our votes, it was an awesome feeling to be a part of such a fun-filled event which clearly put our united party on display.

TRAVELLING IN THE DISTRICT….
It has been a great experience as I travelled the first congressional district this Spring in support of the County Republican Lincoln Day fund raisers to celebrate our country and our party. In Coeur d’Alene, Wallace, Garden Valley, Nampa, Boise, Murphy, McCall, Lewiston, Kamiah, and White Bird, I saw many old friends and met so many new friends. I had an opportunity to speak to so many people about my successes in Washington, D.C, such as my leadership in bringing a balanced budget amendment to it’s first vote in the U.S. House since 1995 and my investigation into the governments failed gun-running program dubbed “Fast and Furious” which led to the tragic murder of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

Becca and I are always amazed at the hard work put in by the volunteers in each county to make their event a success, which in turn helps fund big Republican victories in November—Thank You!

A special thanks to Eric McGilp in Troy, ID who stepped in and spoke such kind words of support on my behalf at the Lincoln Day event in Latah County.

MEET AND GREET, DONNELLY, ID
A special thanks to John and Marilyn Aiton for hosting a meet and greet in Donnelly, ID where we had a great discussion on issues facing our country. Please call the campaign office if you would like to host an event – (208) 938-2500.

NORTH IDAHO COALITION LEADER and MEMBER MEETING
I invited each leader of the Republican Coalitions in North Idaho to meet with me to discuss a pathway to victory in November. I was pleased with the discussion and the ideas presented. I am encouraged by the ability of each group to work together for a united cause—major Republican victories in 2012!

Absentee Voting has Begun!
Make sure to contact your county clerk and request a ballot to be mailed to you if you prefer to vote by mail-in ballot. This year you will need to declare a party affiliation and request a Republican ballot to vote for me in the primary. (More info here)

THANK YOU
I have enjoyed discussing my ideas and the work I have done for you in D.C. I am excited to meet you and work to earn your support once again. The stakes are high in this election and I need your help to win so I can go back to Washington D.C. and continue to fight for you in the battles that matter to Idahoans and conservatives across this beautiful country.

Upcoming Events

May 2nd
Exclusive breakfast fund raiser, Boise, contact Brody: 208-938-2500

May 12th
Canyon County Fund Raiser Hosted by Lamont Bostrom

May 15th
Election Day

May 19th
Raúl Labrador for Idaho in Parade America, Nampa

June 14th
Save the Date–BBQ Fund Raiser in West Boise

Labrador Congratulates Sackett Family for Historic SCOTUS Win

China — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:19:51 +0000

Wednesday March 21, 2012
Congressman Raúl Labrador (ID-01) congratulated his constituents, Chantell and Mike Sackett of Priest Lake, Idaho, for their victory at the U.S. Supreme Court today in the case of “Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency,” saying:

“I am overjoyed by the unanimous ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of my constituents, Chantell and Mike Sackett of Priest Lake, in their case against the EPA.

The federal government is an intimidating force against ordinary citizens, and standing up to its bureaucracy requires extraordinary bravery. Thanks to the unwavering courage and selfless sacrifice of the Sacketts, Americans everywhere will be guaranteed the right to appeal a decision imposed by a government agency. Their victory also safeguards individual property rights against the encroachment of the federal government, a fundamental assurance of our Constitution.

The EPA is one of the many federal government agencies whose overreach jeopardizes our civil liberties and obstructs our pursuit of prosperity. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court expressed what we knew all along: the Constitution protects citizens against an overbearing federal government, and laws and regulations must reflect that.”

Labrador Votes To Expand Recreation on Federal Lands

China — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:16:23 +0000

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)- Congressman Raúl Labrador (ID-01) voted in favor of H.R. 4089, “Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012,” today. The legislation, sponsored by Congressman Jeff Miller (FL-01), passed by with a bipartisan vote of 274 to 146.

H.R. 4089 is comprised of four previously-introduced bills: H.R. 2834, H.R. 3440, H.R. 991 and H.R. 1558, all of which expand hunting, shooting and recreational opportunities on federal lands. Specifically, the legislation curtails any regulatory authority of the U.S. Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Land Management that would impede recreation on America’s federal lands.

“I am proud to cast my vote in favor of the ‘Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012.’ With nearly two-thirds of Idaho’s land owned by the federal government, Idahoans must be constantly mindful of the restrictions on recreation imposed by regulatory agencies,” Congressman Labrador said. “One of our most beloved pastimes and most important industries in Idaho is recreation— whether that’s hunting, fishing or marksmanship. This legislation, if enacted into law, would not only improve our local economy, but it would also provide additional recreational opportunities for Idaho families and visitors to enjoy.”

According to the University of Idaho, more than 64 percent of land in the Gem State is currently owned by the federal government. Of all 50 states, Idaho has the largest portion of its land—almost 39 percent— in the National Forest System of lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service.