Monday, Vaughn Ward, battling state Rep. Raul Labrador for the right to face Democrat incumbent Walt Minnick in November's general election for Idaho's 1st Congressional District, picked up more endorsements from state legislators, all from north Idaho. It is the second time in less than a week that Ward has picked up support from members of the Idaho Legislature. Some state representatives and senators from Canyon County, in southwestern Idaho, endorsed Ward in a joint press conference.
Like the Canyon County endorsements, support came for Ward from both houses of the Legislature. Sens. John Goedde, R-Coeur D'Alene, Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, and Mike Jorgenson, R-Hayden, were joined by Reps. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, and George Eskridge, R-Dover, in supporting Ward.
“Vaughn knows that small businesses create jobs, not the federal government,” said Senator Goedde. “He is a proven leader who will eliminate wasteful government spending and reduce the federal deficit that is threatening our children and grandchildren.”
“Vaughn understands the importance of managing our natural resources,” said Senator Keough. “He will work to reduce the government regulation that is hurting our ability to properly manage our natural resources and his first priority will be to put Idahoans back to work responsibly managing our lands.”
“Vaughn is the only candidate who will fight to strengthen and secure our borders, and strongly oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants,” said Senator Jorgenson. “He understands how illegal immigration is effecting our economy and I believe he can deliver real immigration reform for us.”
Jorgenson has opposed to Labrador's candidacy since the beginning of his campaign. Jorgenson, on the same day that Labrador announced his intent to run, released a statement calling on Labrador to withdraw from the race due to his views on illegal immigration. Jorgenson charged Labrador with "defending illegal immigrants in his law practice” and defending “individuals who have smuggled people illegal immigrants into the United States.” Jorgenson said he believes Labrador’s views just right for Idaho and that if elected, Labrador “will act against the will of the citizens of Idaho.”
When asked about Jorgenson's statement, Labrador shrugged it off. "He doesn't have too many friends in the Senate, so I wouldn't worry about him."
Anderson, one of Labrador's fellow House members, voiced his support for Ward as well. "Everywhere I go in my district, my constituents are telling me Vaughn Ward is the right person for job,” said Anderson. “Vaughn will fight to protect our Second Amendment freedoms in Congress. As a member of the NRA and a strong believer in our Second Amendment rights, Vaughn Ward has my vote.”
