Candidate profile: U.S. Rep. 1st District: Raul Labrador (R)
Birth date: 12/08/1967
Profession: Member of Congress/Attorney
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree (Spanish with an emphasis in Latin American Literature) from Brigham Young University; J.D. from University of Washington
Public Service: 2006 to 2010 – Idaho House of Representatives; 2010 to present – U.S. House of Representatives
How many years as a resident of your city: 7 years
Marital status: Married for 21 years
Family: 5 children
Hobbies: Whitewater rafting, volleyball, spending time with the family and watching movies.
1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for Congress to ensure that my children and grandchildren have the same opportunities to pursue the American dream that I did. Because of decisions that have been made in Washington, DC over the last few years, I believe the American dream is in jeopardy. We are shackling our children with a debt that will limit their ability to achieve their dreams. I want to continue serving in Congress to ensure that future generations have the ability to continue to pursue their goals and aspirations.
2. What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
The three biggest issues that we face as Americans are our struggling economy, the national debt, and the need for regulatory and tax reform.
3. If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
National Debt – I am committed to working with other members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to address this issue. Solving our debt problem will require real cuts in government spending and a growing economy. Spending cuts alone will not solve the problem. I do not believe that Congress can grow the economy, but I do believe that Congress can create an environment which will allow the businesses to thrive.
Regulatory Reform – Congress must take action to reform burdensome regulations that stifle economic growth. During the first 3 years of the Obama Administration 106 major regulations were put in place that are estimated to increase the regulatory burden by more than $46 billion annually. This does not create an environment for economic growth. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. does not regulate businesses out of business.
Tax Reform – Our current tax code is broken. We have too many people at both ends of the spectrum who do not pay federal income taxes. We need to simplify the tax code to remove the exemptions and loopholes that some corporations and individuals enjoy to avoid paying taxes. We can increase revenue to the treasury by lowering rates and simplifying the system. A simple, reliable and, most of all, fair tax code will create efficiencies from which everyone can benefit. These actions have created great economic growth before, and they can again.
4. What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
I had the honor of serving in the Idaho Legislature for four years. That experience taught me how to tackle difficult public issues. It was wonderful to work with legislators from both parties to deal with a major shortfall in tax revenue by prioritizing spending at the state level--without raising taxes.
This experience has been very valuable to me in Congress. We must deal with our national debt crisis with courage and conviction. I can offer a lot of value to my colleagues in Congress on how this is to be done.Most importantly, being a father of five children, I am absolutely committed to making our county strong not only for us today, but for future generations.
5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
My values and commitment to a limited government that protects our freedoms and our liberty match up well with the vast majority of my constituents in Idaho's 1st Congressional District. It has been the greatest honor of my life to represent my constituents, and one of my greatest joys is to meet so many hard-working people in Idaho. I am in awe of the goodness and the positive attitude that Idahoans possess. I share that same optimism for our future and I work as hard as I can to bring our Idaho values and spirit to Congress.