What a tremendous victory we achieved last night; thanks to YOU!

Becca and I always believed we could win, because of YOU!

YOUR faith in our campaign was a daily boost for us and we are so grateful to all of you for your never ending support.

The strength of our victory meant only one thing—the majority of voters clearly understood what our country needed—Republican leadership and Idahoan values.

To everyone who helped us make the 200,000 phone calls, who volunteered to knock on thousands of doors, who wrote countless letters to the editor, who put up yard signs, and who held spectacular events for us, who donated to us, who BELIEVED in us, thank you so much.

It is time for us to take our message to Washington. There is so much work to do and our victory is only the first, smallest step in helping to restore sanity to our federal government.

Our children and grandchildren are counting on us.

I will need your continued support in the days, weeks and months to come.

I will need you to stay in touch with our offices. Let us know what you think, always.

Your thoughts, opinions and views are important to me.

But so are your prayers. Please keep the work we must do in Congress in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for your support. For the faith you have in me.

I will not let you down.

Raul

Commenting on his victory, Labrador said:

“Everywhere I campaigned throughout the district people wanted someone to bring sanity back to Washington DC.  Whether it was a coffee shop in Nampa or a small business in Coeur d’Alene the message was the same; our government is out of control.

He continued, “I have always put the voters of Idaho first and I’m humbled by the support we received.  They have placed their trust in me.  I will hit the ground running in Washington to restore their faith in Congress and start working to create jobs.”

Labrador was joined by his wife Becca, children and hundreds of supporters as the race was finally called for him after 1.30AM.

“I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family.  It was a special day for us as we not only won the congressional seat but my older son Michael was able to cast his first vote with me,” said Labrador.

“I ran for this seat because I want to make sure my children are afforded the opportunities I have had growing up in the greatest country in the world,” Labrador concluded.

###

For further information:
Phil Hardy, 208-340-8232
phil@raullabrador.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, Boise The Labrador for Idaho campaign today announced the endorsement of the Catholic Families for America, a faith based organization which only endorses candidates that that it agrees with on every major public policy issue facing the United States today.

“For all people of faith, not just Roman Catholics, we recognize that our republic is at a crossroads,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts, executive director of the group. “We can continue the politics of self-promotion, high taxation, and the insidious undermining of the culture of life, or we can get back on the road to virtuous, limited government.”

All of the endorsed candidates fit with Catholic Families for America’s key policy objectives, which include protecting the rights of the unborn through preservation of the sanctity of life, pro-family tax policies and the support of traditional marriage.

Commenting on the endorsement, Raul Labrador said:  “It is always important to be recognized for the values you set your moral compass by.  Family values, the rights of the unborn and the preservation of the religious nature of the marriage between a man and a woman are simply fundamental to me.”

Labrador concluded, “When I am elected to Congress I will continue to pursue goals that are in keeping with the values of the Catholic Families for America:  limited as well as virtuous government and the adoption of tax policies that support the traditional family.  I am very proud to receive the endorsement from an organization I admire and with which that I share values.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, Boise, ID – Walt Minnick’s flailing re-election campaign reached new lows in desperation today with an ad so wildly false and misleading the Labrador campaign has called for it to be taken down immediately.

Walt Minnick is asserting in his latest smear ad that Raul Labrador conspired to allow a criminal to flee the country so he wouldn’t have to face charges filed against him.

The real facts of the case are Raul Labrador represented a client named Carlos Lopez in 2001.  Carlos Lopez was arrested and subsequently charged with Misprison of Felony.  Upon his arrest it was determined by the INS that Carlos Lopez was in this country illegally.  Because of this, the INS placed an “Immigration Detainer” on him pending trial, which means that if he were released while awaiting trial the INS steps in and books them under their jurisdiction.

Carlos Lopez was detained and held by the US Marshal’s office upon his arrest for Misprison of Felony. After a hearing, he was released on his own recognizance while he was awaiting trial for the charges against him.   Because of the “Immigration Detainer” he was immediately transferred to the custody of the INS and detained pending his subsequent deportation proceedings.  At no time was Carlos Lopez ever free or walking the streets.  He remained in custody throughout this process by both the US Marshal’s office and the INS.  According to INS procedure, he was accorded due process and deported shortly thereafter.

Three years later Carlos Lopez attempted to sneak back into the country after his deportation and was subsequently arrested and detained by immigration agents.

“Raul’s campaign has talked about the issues important to the voters of Idaho; job creation, fiscal discipline and restoring accountability in government.  The very disturbing road Walt Minnick has chosen to go down during this campaign; launching smear ads and assaulting Raul’s character speak volumes about the integrity of Walt Minnick,” said Labrador spokesman Phil Hardy.  “It is clear Walt Minnick will do or say anything to hold onto his seat, including lying about Raul and running the most despicable and desperate campaign Idaho has ever witnessed.”

###

STATEMENT FROM FORMER US ATTORNEY MOSS

Statement from INS Agent Kent Nygaard

REP. JIM CLARK, LT. COL., US ARMY (RETIRED) VIETNAM VETERAN, BRONZE STAR RECIPIENT (OAK LEAF CLUSTER)

BLASTS WALT MINNICK CAMPAIGN AD REGARDING VETERANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, Boise and Hayden Lake.               The Labrador for Idaho campaign today continues to point out the fabrications, misrepresentations and misleading claims of Democrat incumbent Walt Minnick and his increasingly desperate campaign.

The latest misrepresentation regards a spurious claim regarding a lack of support for US Veterans through a specialty license plate vote in the Idaho Legislature.  While Raul Labrador did not vote for the Gold Star license plate, the Minnick campaign willfully neglected to mention that Rep. Raul Labrador DID vote for the Support Our Troops license plate (S.1131) in 2007.

Additionally, the Minnick ad purposely neglected to mention that 2009 committee minutes regarding the later specialty plate records two members, one of which was Labrador, who “expressed that while they were committed to not supporting any more specialty plates, they wanted to express their respect and support for veterans”.

Late in his first term of in the Idaho House of Representatives Raul Labrador made a principled decision, like many of his colleagues, not to support any additional specialty license plates in Idaho.  One of his colleagues is Rep. Jim Clark, Chairman of the House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee.  Today, Rep. Clark, a decorated combat veteran of Vietnam released the following statement:

“Walt Minnick’s latest television ad makes a desperate and cynical attempt to draw a conclusion that Raul Labrador doesn’t support Veterans.  The basis for this appears to be not voting for a vanity license plate while in the Idaho Legislature.  As a combat veteran and legislator, this is both demeaning and amateurish.

If support for Veterans is measured by voting for a vanity license plate, then Raul Labrador is in good shape.  In 2007, he voted for S1131, the bill which created the Support our Troops license plate.

However, I voted against both of these bills.  I am against all of Idaho’s vanity plates bills.  These license plates don’t often account where the money goes, how it got there, or even if they cost all taxpayer’s money.  So on principle, even as a veteran, I voted no.  This campaign ad of Minnick’s stinks of desperation and I condemn him for it.  He is not a man of character.

Raul Labrador stood by his principles and as a Veteran who actually served in Vietnam, he has my full support.”

Rep. Jim Clark, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.  He saw active combat duty service in Vietnam (1969-1970) was the recipient of the Bronze Star, with oak leaf cluster [two bronze stars].

Labrador for Idaho Communications Director Phil added concluded, “This is a wild overreach by a desperate candidate running a disgraceful campaign in its death throes.”

###

For further information:

Phil Hardy, phil@raullabrador.com, 208-340-8232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, Boise.   Republican Raul Labrador today hailed the results of today’s new Mason-Dixon poll that showed the First Congressional District race a statistical dead heat with only one week to go.  With a margin of error of 5% the poll showed Labrador polling at 41% to Minnick’s 44%.

“Idaho voters are hurting right now because of the policies of Walt Minnick and Nancy Pelosi.  They have run our economy into the ditch and voters are saying enough is enough,” said Labrador.  “Our positive message of fiscal conservatism is resonating across the district as I meet with voters in coffee shops, on Main Street and on the phone.  We are finishing strong and with the help of the voters we will take back our country on November 2^nd.”

Labrador has a busy schedule between now and Election Day and the news of the poll has invigorated him and he has taken to early morning breakfasts and walks through the downtown main street areas of various towns in the district.

The poll highlights the epic collapse (some polls suggest 25% or more) of the Democrat Walt Minnick’s support and the equally spectacular surge for the Republican from Eagle in Ada County.

Communications Director Phil Hardy credits the ‘ground game’ strategy the Labrador for Idaho campaign in conjunction with the Idaho Republican Party has developed and implemented over the past several months.  “From Day One, this campaign has focused on direct voter contact—speaking directly to each voter and presenting Raul’s story on a personal basis.  It is working and we are seeing a surge in volunteer activity as a result.”

“With over 1,300 volunteers the campaign has knocked on thousands of doors and has made over 150,000 telephone calls to registered voters in the district.  This direct voter contact will bring us across the finish line on November 2^nd and propel Raul to Congress.” Hardy concluded.

###

Phil Hardy, phil@raullabrador.com, 208-340-8232

“Labrador will reflect the concerns and values of Idaho’s citizens”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, Boise.                   The Labrador for Idaho campaign is pleased to announce the endorsement of Raul Labrador by former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Dirk A. Kempthorne.  Secretary Kempthorne was Idaho’s 30^th Governor and a United States Senator.  He was first elected to public office in 1985 as Mayor of Boise.

Following is the text of the endorsement from Sec. Kempthorne:

“The people of Idaho have been well-served by their Republican team of elected officials in the Congress and our State Capitol.  Raul Labrador will be a fine addition to that successful team when he is elected as the next Representative from Idaho’s first Congressional district.  Raul Labrador’s experience in the Idaho State Legislature proves he will effectively reflect the concerns and the values of Idaho citizens as he tackles the monumental problems facing the next Congress.  I urge my fellow Idahoans to vote for Raul Labrador and the entire Idaho Republican team.”

On receiving the endorsement Raul Labrador said:

“I am very grateful to Secretary Dirk Kempthorne for this endorsement.  His long and valued service to the people of Idaho and America is a great example for all men and women in public life.  Secretary Kempthorne was esteemed by his colleagues and always represented Idahoans respectfully and with strength.  I hope to serve the people of Idaho in the same manner.”

###

For further information:

Phil Hardy, phil@raullabrador.com, 208-340-8232

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, Boise.                   Labrador for Idaho spokesman Phil Hardy called on Walt Minnick to reject the new endorsement he received from Planned Parenthood today.  Planned Parenthood, like the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), are the two major abortion rights groups which have historically close ties with Walt Minnick.  Minnick has accepted substantial contributions from both groups for years.

Labrador for Idaho Communications Director Phil Hardy says, “Walt Minnick rewarded Planned Parenthood with his vote to allow taxpayer funds to be available to Planned Parenthood for voluntary family planning and to make taxpayer funded abortions available.”

“The great majority of Idahoans vehemently disagree with the abortion rights agenda of these groups and Walt Minnick.  Raul Labrador has a fundamental disagreement with Walt Minnick on the issue of abortion.  He absolutely feels the abortion on demand era of American society should end and should never have occurred,” Hardy said.

Hardy continued, “Walt Minnick is woefully out of step with the feelings of Idahoans on this issue; it is an affront to the people of Idaho.  He should reject this endorsement and return the campaign donations immediately.”

Planned Parenthood has donated $7,500 to Walt Minnick since 2008.  He has accepted at least $5,000 from NARAL since 2008.

Report on Minnick votes below

• Voted against the Pence (R-IN) amendment that would bar funds from being available for Planned Parenthood for voluntary family planning.  (Rejected: 183-247, R: 163-9, D: 20-238)
• Voted against barring the use of federal funds authorized in H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, to pay for an abortion or pay for the costs of any health plan that includes abortion coverage, unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury or illness that would endanger the woman’s life
• Voted against the Stupak (D-MI) amendment that would bar the use of federal funds authorized in H.R. 3962 to pay for an abortion or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes abortion coverage, unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury or illness that would, as certified by a physician, endanger the woman’s life. Individuals with subsidized policies who also want abortion coverage would have to purchase it separately, using their own money. It would prohibit individuals from using affordability credits to purchase a plan that provides for elective abortions.. (Passed by a vote of 240-194, D: 64-194, R: 0-176, 1 voting present)
• Rep. Stupak’s amendment would bar any public health insurance plan from covering abortion procedures and would ban sale of insurance policies covering abortion through the proposed national health insurance exchange or to women who receive health care subsidies from the federal government
• In a Nov. 11, 2009, article, the Politico reported, “The House health care bill wasn’t supposed to become a referendum on abortion rights. But Rep. Bart Stupak, a Democrat from Michigan, reshaped the legislative landscape when he offered an amendment banning the sale of insurance policies covering abortion through the proposed national health insurance exchange — or to women who receive health care subsidies from the federal government.

  “Stupak’s proposal, which would also bar any public health insurance plan from covering abortion procedures, passed the House on Saturday over objections from a majority of Democratic lawmakers, who voted against the amendment.

  “Supporters of abortion rights were outraged — especially House Democratic women, many of whom view Stupak’s legislation as a betrayal of a key Democratic commitment.”

###

For further information:

Phil Hardy, phil@raullabrador.com, 208-340-8232

The Tea Party Express (website: www.TeaPartyExpress.org) is pleased to announce we are endorsing conservative Republican Raul Labrador for Congress (Idaho) in his race against Democrat incumbent, Walt Minnick.

During the Primary Election campaign the Tea Party Express had endorsed Congressman Minnick for re-election in light of his independence in standing up to significant items in President Obama’s agenda.

Since then, Congressman Minnick has engaged in a pattern of behavior which shows he is more responsive to the Democrat Party’s establishment than he is the voters of Idaho.

Congressman Minnick has refused to support the repeal of the ObamaCare government-run health care plan.

Congressman Minnick has received the endorsement of ultra-liberal House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, after he voted for her in his first term.  He refuses to say he will vote against her in the next session of Congress despite how abundantly clear her liberal agenda has become to everyone it seems but Congressman Minnick.

And on July 19th he “declined” the endorsement of the nation’s largest tea party organization, the Tea Party Express, after receiving significant pressure from the Democratic Party’s leadership.

The Tea Party Express has spent the past three month’s evaluating Congressman Minnick’s disappointing behavior, and in light of his errant actions we are announcing that we are joining the Boise Tea Party and endorsing Raul Labrador for Congress in the General Election.

Raul Labrador accepted the endorsement with the following statement:

“I’m delighted to receive the endorsement of the Tea Party Express, an organization that brings a voice to people in America who previously felt they had no voice.  The Tea Party Express and its members are sick and tired of the business as usual attitude and actions of Washington insiders like Walt Minnick.  They are tired of candidates who do nothing to stand up and fight against the status quo.  When I am elected to Congress, I will fight to bring the voice of the people to Washington and not the voice of special interests.”