CD1: Issues in Labrador's favor

I am writing this to refute Bob Weaver’s letter titled ELECTION: Check all the facts first. Bob Weaver’s letter contained little fact and a lot of supposition. He guesses that Vaughn Ward will eventually build on his bare land property. He supposes that Raul Labrador’s campaign manager quit because Ward is a better candidate. He surmises that Labrador represents illegals because he is an immigration attorney.  Weaver wants facts about Ward, but is willing to assume things about Raul Labrador.

Vaughn Ward is a hero! So was John McCain. McCain is knowledgeable on national security, but I for one, do not like his positions on immigration, McCain-Feingold election laws, and the like.  I have been in the military and I strongly support our servicemen and women. Yet, having a military background does not automatically mean one will be a good representative/legislator. For example, Labrador has a proven fact based record as a fiscal and tax conservative.  Something, very much needed in congress.

Any casual fact check of Rep. Raul Labrador’s immigration position would have shown that he is against amnesty and he is for securing our borders.  He (Labrador) has sponsored legislation in the Idaho Legislature to punish employers who hire illegals.  Labrador entered this race late because his friend, Ken Roberts withdrew because of health concerns.  His late start has hindered his fundraising efforts.  Hence, the campaign manager’s exit.  

Mr. Ward, on the other hand, has received approx. 54% of his money from outside of Idaho. Mr. Ward has spent the previous 15 years away from Idaho; not all of it in the military or the CIA.  In fact, he even was the campaign manager for John McCain in Nevada, not Idaho.  He now shows up on our doorstep, rents a house and begins campaigning full-time for the 1st Congressional District.  Mr. Weaver, this may be your version of a true Idahoan but not mine.  I want someone who has lived here and knows what is going on in Idaho.  All we have from Ward is words, not history of action on the political front. 

I applaud Mr. Weaver’s zeal, but his suppositions are just that — suppositions.  Next time, don’t be such an eager Weaver. 

Oh by the way, Puerto Rico is part of the United States and Raul Labrador was born a U.S. citizen.

 ROBERT CARTER

Coeur d’Alene