Candidates for Idaho 1st congressional district (Eagle, Star: renting, attorney, house)

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Vaun Ward (R): Vaughn Ward - Vaughn Ward for Congress - Idaho 1st District

I'm impressed with his background in the military:

...He was in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 and decided that after receiving his degree in the spring of 2002, he needed to delay his move back home in order to serve his nation once more during a time of war. He went on to join the CIA where he was trained as an Operations Officer and served in the Middle East, Africa, and Washington, D.C. He worked closely with senior government officials from the U.S. and multiple foreign countries to combat the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

In January 2006, Vaughn took a leave of absence from the CIA and volunteered to serve on active duty with the Marines for a tour in Iraq. He assumed command of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. Major Ward led his men through a combat tour in Fallujah, Al-Anbar Province, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his actions, Vaughn was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V (Valor).

Raul Labrador (R): Raul Labrador - Conservative for Congress

He is an immigration attorney, and I have been led to believe that he had defended illegal immigrants. Though I like what his web site has to say and I see no mention of this career on it.

Walt Minnick (D): Congressman Walt Minnick, Representing the 1st District of Idaho

While a Democrat, I believe he's solidly in the "blue dog" catagory. IIRC he voted against the stimulus bill, cap and trade and the house health care proposal. I haven't seen any votes from him that I would regard as a negative. However, in each of these cases, the issue was "decided" without his vote, there is concern how he would vote on a close race.

I know very little about any of these candidates. If anyone has any more experience with these men, or know more of their background, please post. And please, lets keep it polite and focused on educating others, not a rehash of conservative vs. liberal politics.

[concernedidahocitizen]

Raul is an immigration attorney and helps those here legally on temporary visas become legal citizens through the correct process. He is not in favor of amnesty as his opponents have occasionally alluded to.

[splashvision]

I live in district 14 which Raul represents. I have been impressed with his voting record in the legislature and his fight for smaller government. I also live near Vaughn Ward in Eagle. He is renting that house and owns a house in Virginia. He also has no experience and all his money is coming from New York, DC, and other out of state locations. I don't see him beating Minnick and his money machine. I will be voting for Raul Labrador!

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Thanks guys, informative first posts. I have no ax to grind for or against any of the candidates, just looking to learn and cast an educated vote.