Candidate Profile-Vaughn L. Ward

Birth date: Jan. 31, 1969

Profession: United States Marine Corp - Lt. Col (Select)

Educational background: Graduated Jerome High 1987; Boise State University, BA, Political Science, 1992; University of Maryland, Smith Graduate School of Business; MBA, Finance, 2002

Public service (elected or appointed offices): United States Marine Corp - Lt. Col (Select)

Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): NRA Member, Veterans of Foreign War Member, and American Legion Member

How many years as a resident of your city: 2 Years

Marital status: Married to my wife Kirsten

Family: My wife Kirsten and two children, Ave and William

Hobbies: Hiking in McCall and Cascade, Fishing on Salmon River, Hunting Mule Deer

 Why are you running for office?

I am running for Congress because I believe that one person can make a difference. "We the people" should run the government, not professional politicians. I also believe in teaching personal responsibility and self-reliance rather than creating more government programs. I will fight to cut spending and to put Idahoans back to work.

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

· Congress is broken, we need to fix out-of-control federal spending.

· Idaho families are facing difficult times, we need to put Idahoans back to work.

· Government corruption is abundant in Washington, D.C., it is time for greater accountability and transparency.

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

· I will fight to cut spending and pass a balanced budget amendment. We balance our budgets at home and in our businesses, and it's time that Congress does the same.

· We must ease the tax burden on small businesses to help them create jobs and grow the economy, rather than relying on the federal government.

· We must increase government transparency to decrease corruption.

What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?

I was raised by a single mom and we struggled through tough times, so I understand the hardships that many Idahoans are facing now. However, my mom taught me about perseverance and self-reliance, which has made me the leader I am today. No decision I make in Congress will be tougher than the decisions I made while leading a company of Marines during combat operations in Iraq.

Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?

I am a leader who will fight for our conservative values and bring Idaho common sense to Congress. After spending the last 15 years serving our country, I know it is time for a proven leader with courage and conviction to represent Idaho in Congress. My Idaho values have guided me from my family's farm in Shoshone to the streets of Fallujah, Iraq and they’ll continue to guide me in Congress.