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Candidate Profile-Raul R. Labrador

| May 7, 2010 2:11 PM

Birth date: Dec. 8, 1967

Profession: Attorney

Educational background:  Bachelors of Arts from BYU and Juris Doctorate from University of Washington

Public service (elected or appointed offices):  I have been an Idaho State Representative since 2006. I also served as Republican Party Legislative District Chair and Vice-Chair, Youth Committeeman and Precinct Committeeman.  I was a delegate to the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Commissioner, Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs (2007-Present), Board Member of the Utah Special Olympics (1991), Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout and volunteer).  I have also served in many leadership positions in my church.

How many years as a resident of your city:  I have lived in the Treasure Valley (Boise and Eagle) since 1996.

Marital status:  Married 18 years to Rebecca J. Labrador.

Family: We have 5 children - Michael (17); Katerina (15); Josh (13); Diego (10); and Rafael (7).

Hobbies:  Volleyball, snow and water skiing, movies, spending time with my family.  

Why are you running for office?

I am running for Congress because I believe that we must remain vigilant in protecting the principles of Freedom and Liberty. I will fight to return limited government to Washington and in doing so reduce the burden that taxes and regulations place on businesses and families. I will fight to enact common-sense policies that encourage jobs, economic growth and prosperity. 

  What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?

I will fight to return limited government to Washington and in doing so reduce the burden that taxes and regulations place on businesses and families. I will fight to enact common-sense policies that encourage jobs, economic growth and prosperity. Most importantly, I will fight to protect individual liberty and freedom from an ever expanding federal government. 

 If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?

Significantly reduce spending, reform entitlement programs and lower taxes. Congress must enact a flat tax. The tax structure should benefit everyone equally without giving preferential treatment to any particular industry or business. The result would be economic growth that will be sustainable even during tough economic times. 

In addition, Government must understand that it does not create jobs. The private sector creates jobs. Thus, Congress must ensure that the federal bureaucracies operate more efficiently. Congress' responsibility is to reduce government spending and stop federal regulations that cripple private industry. 

Finally, we must become energy independent and stop depending on foreign oil. That means increasing the production of fossil fuels by allowing more drilling and exploration. In addition, Congress must change the environmental regulatory process to develop renewable energy sources.  Idaho could lead the way because it has the technology and knowledge base to become the nuclear and renewable energy capital of the world. 

 What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?

I have been an effective member of the Idaho Legislature since 2006.  I have served in many leadership positions for political, civic and church groups.  I have been a business owner for 10 years; I know how hard it is to keep a business going.  I have been happily married for 18 years and have raised five amazing children.

Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?

I have a proven record of standing up for conservative values and fighting against the establishment.  With the mess created in Washington by politicians who make promises but do not deliver, I am the only candidate who is prepared, and has the knowledge and experience to defeat Walt Minnick in November.  I have a record of fighting taxes, fighting regulations, fighting out of control spending, and fighting for Idaho families.