Candidate profile: U.S. Rep. District 1: Jimmy Farris (D)

U.S. REP. DISTRICT 1

JIMMY FARRIS (D)

Birth date: 4-13-1978

Profession: retired NFL player

Educational background: BA Marketing and Management from The University of Montana. (1996-2000)

Public service (elected or appointed offices):  

Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.):  

How many years as a resident of your city:  1

Marital status:  single

Family: I'm the youngest of five. I have two brothers and two sisters.

Hobbies: fitness, reading, sports, fishing.

1. Why are you running for office?

Growing up in Idaho helped to instill in me the values and work ethic that made it possible to accomplish my goal of playing in the NFL. I want to do my part to give back by serving the state and the nation that allowed me to achieve my dreams.     

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

         I believe the three biggest issues facing us right now are jobs, the debt and deficit crisis, and the crippling gridlock in Congress.        

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

Jobs: Unemployment rates are high, and Idaho ranks 49th in the nation in income. My opponent has voted to cut thousands of Idaho jobs through defunding the INL, not to mention voting to cut millions of American transportation jobs. I will vote to create and retain jobs, and for legislation that will help ease the burden on Idaho families.

Debt and deficit crisis: Though not a final answer to our debt problem, I believe the Simpson-Bowles plan is the most logical starting part to negotiating a solution to the nation’s fiscal crisis. It is an example of a realistic and balanced approach to getting the country back on track, and it is exactly the type of bipartisan effort I would support.

 Gridlock in Congress: The division and gridlock in Congress has caused many of our nation’s problems to escalate unnecessarily. I understand that being a slave to ideology is a dangerous thing, and that bipartisanship is the only way we are going to get anything done. I am willing to work with my colleagues across the aisle to make much-needed progress.

 4.  What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?  

 I was born and raised in Idaho, and I’ve spent the last year talking to its residents about their needs. I am committed to representing Idahoans and what is important to them. In the NFL, I consistently worked with people of different backgrounds to achieve a common goal. It’s that spirit of teamwork that I plan to bring to Congress.

5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?  

 I believe that working together is the only way to solve the problems facing us. We cannot choose ideology above what’s best for Idaho and the nation. I am used to hard work, and will take seriously the responsibility entrusted to me. I will show up and get the job done for Idaho.