Candidate Profile-Mike Crapo
Birth date: May 20, 1951
Profession: U.S. Senator, attorney
Educational background:
Graduated from Idaho Falls High School, 1969.
Graduated from Brigham Young University, Summa Cum Laude, BA in Political Science, 1973.
Graduated from Harvard Law School, Cum Laude, Juris Doctorate, 1977.
Public service (elected or appointed offices): U.S. Senator, Idaho, 1999-present; U.S. Representative, Idaho 2nd District, 1993-1998; Idaho State Senator, 1984-1992; Idaho State Senate President Pro Tempore, 1988-1992.
Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club.
How many years as a resident of your city: Approximately 40 years
Marital status: Married
Family: Wife, Susan; five children
Hobbies: Backpacking, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing.
Why are you running for office?
The last two elections resulted in a national government that has forced this country into a direction that undermines our constitutional values, put federal government in control of health care and our economy. Elections have consequences. and I’m running for the Senate to fight against this assault and to fight for limited government, low taxes, less spending and individual freedom.
What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
* Address the ever-increasing debt and deficit, stop government’s out-of-control growth and intrusion into our lives so that government adheres to the Constitution and promotes individual liberty and responsibility.
* Get people back to work by decreasing taxes, federal spending and regulations that burden our economy.
* Work for commonsense solutions to protect and properly manage our natural resource heritage.
If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
* [Debt] Congress must stop deficit spending and adopt tax policies that incentivize economic growth. We are saddling future generations with so much debt that our children will have a lower standard of living than we have. I support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Idaho can balance its budget; it’s time that the federal government did the same.
* [Economy] We can get Idahoans back to work through fiscal restraint and responsibility, deficit reduction, lower taxes and decreased regulations on the private sector. The private sector, not government, has the power to get the economy going. We should reduce taxes on individuals and businesses and support programs that encourage expansion and investment. When small businesses thrive, so do local communities.
* [Environment] I support efforts to find consensus and commonsense solutions to natural resource and public lands management issues. There are many interests--like private property rights, recreation and habitat--to be considered. We can protect them all through consensus and collaboration, as was demonstrated in the successful Owyhee Initiative measure signed last year into law.
What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
During my personal life as well as professional and public service careers, I have learned to discern between good and bad public policy. The experience I have gained in fighting for the right solutions and commonsense policies has served Idahoans well. I bring judgment, experience and commitment to Idaho values to this job.
Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
My record of solid, effective advocacy for the principles of limited government, less spending, reduced taxes and individual freedom is demonstrated leadership for Idahoans. I listen, build consensus and lead toward workable commonsense solutions. My consistent open-door policy and priority to meet with and talk to as many Idahoans as possible ensures that I represent Idahoans fairly and accurately.