Raúl Labrador

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Raúl Labrador
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Idaho's 1st district
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded byWalt Minnick
Member of the Idaho House of Representatives
from the 14th (Seat B) district
In office
December 1, 2006 – December 1, 2010
Preceded byStan Bastian
Succeeded byReed DeMordaunt
Personal details
Born
Raúl Rafael Labrador

(1967-12-08) December 8, 1967 (age 56)
Carolina, Puerto Rico, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseRebecca Johnson (1991–present)
Children5
ResidenceEagle, Idaho
EducationBrigham Young University, Utah (BA)
University of Washington, Seattle (JD)
WebsiteHouse website
Campaign website

Raúl Rafael Labrador /ˌræˈuːl ˈlæbrəˌdɔːr/ (born December 8, 1967) is an American politician, who has been the U.S. Representative for Idaho's 1st congressional district since 2011. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and a member of the Republican Party. Labrador previously represented District 14B in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2006 to 2010. In May 2017, he attracted national attention by stating that "Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care."[1][2][3][4] Labrador stated afterward that he was referring to Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act and the media is focusing on a "five second clip" instead of the entire exchange[5][6] with the questioner.[7][8]

Early life, education, and career

Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Labrador relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, as a child and graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1985. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and spent two years as a Mormon missionary in Chile, from 1987 to 1989. Labrador returned to BYU and received a B.A. in 1992, in Spanish with an emphasis in Latin American literature. He was admitted to the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle and received his J.D. in 1995.[9]

Married in 1991, Labrador relocated to his wife's home state of Idaho and practiced law and immigration law in private practice from 1995 until his election to the Idaho House of Representatives in 2006.[10][11]

Idaho House of Representatives

2006

When then-Representative Stan Bastian sought the District 14 Senate seat, Labrador ran for and won the Republican nomination for House Seat B against two other challengers[12] and the general election earning 65.55% against soon to be perennial candidate Daniel S. Weston.[13]

2008

He was unopposed in May 2008 Republican Primary.[14] Labrador defeated Glida Bothwell in the general election getting 69.1% of the vote.[15]

Committee assignments

Labrador served on the

  • Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee in 2007
  • Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee from 2007-2010
  • State Affairs Committee from 2007-2010
  • Transportation and Defense Committee from 2009-2010

U.S. House of Representatives

Tenure

Labrador in Las Vegas, 2011
Immigration

Labrador was a member of the "Gang of Eight," a bipartisan group of House members working on immigration reform legislation,[16] but on June 5, 2013, he left the negotiations because he wanted language in the bill requiring that illegal immigrants be responsible for their own health care costs.[17] Labrador said he would use his position on the House Judiciary Committee to pass immigration reform legislation.[citation needed]

On June 18, 2013, he joined a majority of his Judiciary Committee colleagues in voting for the "SAFE Act" to bolster interior enforcement of immigration laws.[18] On June 19, 2013, he joined a majority of his Judiciary Committee colleagues in voting for the "AG Act" to improve the temporary agricultural guest worker program.[19]

On the July 6, 2014 episode of Meet the Press Labrador stated that what the Obama administration needed to do was "immediately deport" young illegal immigrants. The comment came as part of a discussion about the estimated 52,000 unaccompanied minors from Central America who had tried to cross the border since October, 2013.[20]

Health

Labrador supports requiring the undocumented be responsible for their own health care costs.[17]

Labrador supports the full[21][22] repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act because he believes it will raise costs and kill jobs. He believes the best way to give Americans more affordable health insurance is with market-based policies that he believes will decrease healthcare costs.[23]

On April 20, 2017 Labrador said he does not believe healthcare is a human right.[24][25][26] Labrador stated afterwards that he was talking about it not being in the constitution.[citation needed]

He voted for the American Health Care Act of 2017 which passed the House May 4, 2017.[27] One of the few Republican lawmakers who hosted a town hall after this vote, Labrador received national attention for stating during the meeting, "Nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare."[28][29] Labrador stated afterwards that he was referring to Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act and the media is focusing on a "five second clip" instead of the entire exchange[5] with the questioner.[7][8]

Education

In October 2011, Labrador introduced the American Education Act, intended to address the lack of students entering high-tech fields such as engineering and medical technology by providing incentives to do so. The bill would also allow foreign students in these fields who had job offers from American companies to acquire residency.[30] While in the Idaho State House of Representatives, Labrador voted for several bills to fund online education within the state of Idaho.[31]

Labrador also believes that education is best decided at the local level and that parents should be involved in their child's education. [32]

Energy

Labrador believes alternative energy sources should be explored, including nuclear, hydroelectric, carbon neutral biomass, wind, solar and geothermal,[33] but opposes government subsidies for the development of these resources, saying they will develop on their own.[34] He has made clear that he thinks the government needs to decrease regulation of geothermal energy, claiming Idaho's development of it is being impeded by governmental regulation, and has sponsored legislation to relax the regulations.[35]

Fiscal Policy

In July 2012 Labrador supported extending the budget for an extra six months in order to "prevent a crisis."[36]

In 2010, Labrador signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity promising to vote against any Global Warming legislation that would raise taxes.[37]

Agriculture

Labrador voted for the farm bill on January 29, 2014.

Civil liberties

In June 2015, Labrador introduced HR 2802, titled the "First Amendment Defense Act" (FADA) which was said to protect those who oppose same-sex marriage based on their religious beliefs from action by the federal government. Critics, like Ian Thompson of the American Civil Liberties Union claimed that the bill would "open the door to unprecedented taxpayer-funded discrimination against LGBT people, single mothers, and unmarried couples."[38]

Town halls

He was one of the few Republicans to host a town hall after the election has Donald Trump has President and the only member of United States congressional delegations from Idaho to host one.

Awards

He was ranked one of "Newsmax's 50 Most Influential Latino Republicans" in 2016.[39]

Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)[40]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Elections

District 14 House Seat B - Part of Ada County
Year Candidate Votes Pct Candidate Votes Pct Candidate Votes Pct
2006 Primary[45] Raúl Labrador 2,448 46.4% John Tomkinson 1,535 29.1% Jim Borton 1,292 24.5%
2006 General[46] Raúl Labrador 13,208 65.5% Daniel Weston 6,943 34.5%
2008 Primary[47] Raúl Labrador (incumbent) 4,945 100%
2008 General[48] Raúl Labrador (incumbent) 22,093 69.1% Glida Bothwell 9,869 30.9%
2010
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2010 § District 1

In 2010, Labrador defeated Vaughn Ward in the Republican primary 48%–39% on May 10, in what was widely considered a major upset.[49][50][51] In the general election, Labrador defeated first-term Democratic incumbent Walt Minnick 51%–41%.[52]

2012
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2012 § District 1

Labrador was challenged in the Republican primary by Reed McCandless, but defeated him with 81% of the vote.[53] In the general election, Labrador won reelection to a second term, defeating former NFL wide receiver Jimmy Farris, 63%–31%.[54]

Labrador supported Mitt Romney for President.[55][56][57]

2014
See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho, 2014 § District 1; and Idaho gubernatorial election, 2014

On August 14, 2013, Labrador decided not to challenge incumbent Idaho Governor Butch Otter in the Republican primary, instead running for reelection to Congress for a third term.[58][59]

On August 19, 2013, Democratic State Representative Shirley Ringo decided to challenge Labrador instead of running for an eighth term in the Idaho state legislature.[60]

In early June 2014 House majority leader Eric Cantor of Virginia lost the Republican primary for his Congressional seat and announced he would step down from his leadership role July 31, 2014. Labrador announced on June 13 that he would challenge House Majority Whip, Representative Kevin McCarthy for the leadership position.[61] In a vote held June 19, 2014 the House selected McCarthy.[62]

Labrador won both the Republican Primary (78.6%)[63] and the General Election (65%).[64]

2016

Labrador served on Rand Paul's Western Chair.[65][66] When Paul dropped out, Labrador joined Ted Cruz's campaign becoming a co chair for the state of Idaho.[67][68] Cruz went on to win Idaho's primary.[69] Labrador then went on to support Donald Trump.[70][71]

Labrador won both the Republican Primary (81%)[72] and the General Election (68.2%).[73]

2018

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, Labrador filed to run in the Idaho gubernatorial election, 2018.[74] Labrador did a kick off tour in the last week of May 2017 with stops in Boise[75], Post Falls[76], and Idaho Falls[77][78]. Labrador faces Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little and Idaho Businessman and LDS church member Tommy Ahlquist in the 2018 race.[79][80]

Labrador will not be able to run for Idaho's 1st congressional district and Governor at the same time; leaving CD-1 an open seat for Idaho elections, 2018.

Personal life

Labrador lives in Eagle, Idaho, with his wife, Rebecca, and their five children.[81] He is the first member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to represent Idaho's 1st district.

See also

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

  1. ^ Smith, Saphora (May 6, 2017). "Idaho Republican Labrador Booed Over 'Nobody Dies' Comment on Health Care". NBC News. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
  2. ^ Jenkins, Aric (May 6, 2017). "GOP Congressman Raul Labrador: 'Nobody Dies Because They Don't Have Access to Health Care". Time. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
  3. ^ Phillips, Kristine (May 6, 2017). "'Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
  4. ^ Editor-at-large, Chris Cillizza, CNN. "Raul Labrador's worst week in Washington". CNN. Retrieved 2017-06-20. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b RepLabrador (2017-05-06), Lewiston Town Hall, retrieved 2017-05-08
  6. ^ Lee, Bruce Y. "Here's What Rep. Raul Labrador May Have Meant When He Said Nobody Dies". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-06-20.
  7. ^ a b "Following town hall backlash, Labrador says health care comment 'wasn't very elegant'". idahostatesman. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  8. ^ a b "My Statement on Friday's Town Hall". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2017-05-08.[self-published source]
  9. ^ "Raul Labrador". Wall Street Journal. Election 2012. November 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  10. ^ "Congressional Biographical Directory of the United States 1774–present".
  11. ^ PARKER, ASHLEY and JULIA PRESTON (June 6, 2013). "In House, Immigration Spurs Push by G.O.P". NYT. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  12. ^ "2006 Primary Results legislative". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  13. ^ "2006 General Results legislative". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  14. ^ "2008 Primary Results legislative". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  15. ^ "2008 General Results legislative". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  16. ^ Bloomberg article on Labrador's role in immigration reform
  17. ^ a b "Conservative Labrador quits House immigration group". The HIll. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  18. ^ "LABRADOR VOTES FOR SAFE ACT AT JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MARKUP". Labrador website. Retrieved 18 June 2013.[self-published source]
  19. ^ "LABRADOR VOTES FOR AG ACT AT JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MARKUP". Labrador website. Retrieved June 19, 2013.[self-published source]
  20. ^ "Americans don't want mass deportations but are sort of OK with increased deportations", washingtonpost.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
  21. ^ http://www.washingtontimes.com, The Washington Times. "Raul Labrador: GOP health care bill 'has no natural constituency'". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2017-04-22. {{cite news}}: External link in |last= (help)
  22. ^ "Rep. Raúl Labrador on AHCA: 'Nobody Likes this Bill' - Breitbart". Breitbart. 2017-03-23. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
  23. ^ https://labrador.house.gov/healthcare/[self-published source]
  24. ^ Kruesi, Kimberlee (April 20, 2017). "Idaho GOP Congressman Faces Angry Crowd at Town Hall". US News & World Report. Associated Press. Retrieved May 3, 2017. I do not believe health care is a basic human right," Labrador said to jeers while answering a question about health care reform and increasing costs. "I just don't think it's a right to have health care.
  25. ^ Savransky, Rebecca (April 20, 2017). "GOP rep booed at town hall for saying healthcare isn't a 'basic human right'". The Hill. Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho) faced boos from a town hall audience while defending his views that healthcare is not a "basic human right." "I just don't think it's a right to have healthcare," Labrador said Wednesday in response to a question about healthcare reform and increasing costs, according to The Associated Press.
  26. ^ Barnhill, Frankie (April 20, 2017). "Labrador Pushed On Health Care, Russia And Trump's Taxes During Town Hall". KBSX. Boise State Public Radio. Retrieved May 10, 2017. "So no I do not believe that health care is a basic right," says Labrador. "When something is a right it's something that must be provided by the government."
  27. ^ "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 256". {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  28. ^ "GOP rep. sparks outrage at town hall". CNN.com. Anderson Cooper 360°. Retrieved May 14, 2017. Republican Rep. Raul Labrador said that "nobody dies because they don't have access to healthcare" at a town hall.
  29. ^ "Labrador: 'Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care'". idahostatesman. Retrieved 2017-05-10.
  30. ^ Profile re American Education Act, votesmart.org; accessed November 15, 2104.
  31. ^ Profile re education, votesmart.org; accessed November 15, 2014.
  32. ^ "Congressman Raul Labrador : Education". labrador.house.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-10.[self-published source]
  33. ^ Profile re natural resources, votesmart.org; accessed November 15, 2014.
  34. ^ Profile re energy subsidies, votesmart.org; accessed November 15, 2014.
  35. ^ Profile re geothermal energy, votesmart.org; accessed November 15, 2014.
  36. ^ "Conservatives Down with a CR". National Journal. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  37. ^ Profile of Raúl Labrador, americansforprosperity.org; accessed November 15, 2014.
  38. ^ Percelay, Rachel (July 28, 2015). "The "First Amendment Defense Act" Is The Next Attack on LGBT Rights". Media Matters. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  39. ^ Newsmax's 50 Most Influential Latino Republicans
  40. ^ "Representative Raul Labrador - District 14 Seat B". 2008-12-07. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  41. ^ "Congressman Raul Labrador : Committees". labrador.house.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
  42. ^ "Congressman Raul Labrador : Committees". labrador.house.gov. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
  43. ^ "Conservatives Form Their Own Caucus Because the RSC Isn't 'Hard-Core' Enough". National Journal. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  44. ^ "9 Republicans launch House Freedom Caucus". POLITICO. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  45. ^ Ysursa, Ben. "May 23, 2006 Primary Election Results: Legislative Totals". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  46. ^ Ysursa, Ben. "November 7, 2006 General Election Results: Legislative Totals". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  47. ^ Ysursa, Ben. "May 27, 2008 Primary Election Results: Legislative Totals". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  48. ^ Ysursa, Ben. "November 4, 2008 General Election Results: Legislative Totals". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  49. ^ http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=512944
  50. ^ U.S. House Dist. 1 GOP KTVB.com Accessed June 1, 2010
  51. ^ Kraushaar, Josh (2010-05-26). "Rep. Raul Labrador wins Idaho primary upset". Politico. Retrieved 2010-06-28. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ Labrador v Minnick, ourcampaigns.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
  53. ^ Raúl Labrador v Reed McCandless, ourcampaigns.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
  54. ^ Raúl Labrador v Jimmy Farris, ourcampaigns.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
  55. ^ "Idaho's Labrador, late to endorse in 2012 presidential race, jumps in early to support Rand Paul". idahostatesman. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  56. ^ "Mitt Romney: Press Release: Rep. Raul Labrador: We Need Mitt Romney In Washington". www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  57. ^ Helfrich, Jesse (2012-04-18). "GOP leaders endorse Mitt Romney, seek party unity behind probable nominee". TheHill. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  58. ^ Labrador decides not to challenge Otter for governorship of Idaho, politico.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
  59. ^ "Rep. Raul Labrador To Seek Re-Election, Ends Speculation About Run For Governor". Fox News. August 14, 2013.
  60. ^ Shirley Ringo challenges Labrador for congressional seat, m.lmtribune.com; accessed November 15, 2014.
  61. ^ "Congressman Raul Labrador: Press Releases: Labrador Announces Candidacy for House Majority Leader". labrador.house.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  62. ^ Cornwell, Jane (June 13, 2014). "Republican Rep. Labrador running for House majority leader post". Reuters. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  63. ^ "Statewide Totals". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  64. ^ "Statewide Totals". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  65. ^ "Rand Paul". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  66. ^ Press, Associated. "Labrador named chairman on Rand Paul's presidential campaign". KBOI. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  67. ^ "Cruz for President Announces Expanded Idaho Leadership Team | Ted Cruz for Senate". Ted Cruz for Senate. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  68. ^ "Idaho Congressman Raúl Labrador Endorses Ted Cruz | Ted Cruz for Senate". Ted Cruz for Senate. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  69. ^ TEGNA. "Ted Cruz wins Idaho Republican primary". KTVB. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  70. ^ "Another congressman – Labrador – backs Trump's policies, not his rhetoric | McClatchy Washington Bureau". www.mcclatchydc.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  71. ^ "Rep. Raúl Labrador: Would Be 'Hard' But I'd Support Trump if GOP Nominee". Newsmax. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  72. ^ "Statewide Totals". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  73. ^ "Statewide Totals". www.sos.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  74. ^ "Rep. Raul Labrador joins Idaho governor's race". AP News. Retrieved 2017-05-09.
  75. ^ Press, KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated. "Labrador officially kicks off Idaho gubernatorial campaign". Idaho Press-Tribune. Retrieved 2017-06-08.
  76. ^ "'Unleash the raw potential'". 2017-06-01. Retrieved 2017-06-08.
  77. ^ Davis, Taja (2017-06-01). "Raul Labrador's stop in eastern Idaho to campaign for governor". KIFI. Retrieved 2017-06-08.
  78. ^ "Labrador hasn't won VanderSloot's endorsement". Spokesman.com. Retrieved 2017-06-20.
  79. ^ Guilhem, Matt. "2018 Idaho Governor's Race Gets Third Republican Candidate". Retrieved 2017-06-20.
  80. ^ "Rep. Raul Labrador joins Idaho governor's race". Fox News. 2017-05-09. Retrieved 2017-06-20.
  81. ^ Labrador bio from his campaign website

External links

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Idaho's 1st congressional district
2011–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States Representatives by seniority
226th 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Raúl_Labrador&oldid=788006780"