For Vaughn Ward and his campaign, his race to beat state Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, and face Walt Minnick, the Democratic incumbent in Idaho's 1st Congressional District, has been all about endorsements from high-profile political figures. Ward received another endorsement Tuesday as Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced his support of the Marine reservist.
In a statement released to the press, Wasden lauded Ward's service to the country. "Vaughn is the right candidate for Idaho,” said Wasden. “He has lived the Idaho value of honorable service to our country and will carry that service with him to represent us well in Washington, D.C. He is a fiscal conservative who recognizes the need for limited government and that the purpose of government is to serve the needs of the people. Vaughn understands that Idaho is a reflection of its history and its family values.”
Ward accepted the endorsement and thanked Wasden for it. “I am extremely proud to have earned Attorney General Wasden’s endorsement,” said Ward. “Idaho has benefitted greatly from Lawrence’s work and he is well-respected by his constituents. Once elected, Idahoans can expect me to stand up for their constitutional rights and ensure that more decisions are made in Idaho rather than Washington, D.C.”
Wasden is the second constitutional officer in Idaho to endorse Ward; Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna chose Ward over Labrador. State Treasurer Ron Crane has been tapped to serve as a co-chair of the Labrador campaign, along with Idaho Speaker of the House Lawerence Denney, a Republican from Midvale. The Ward camp has been the benefactor of several endorsements; former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Arizona Sen. John McCain, for who Ward worked as a campaign staffer during the pair's 2008 run at the White House, have both announced support for Ward. Former Idaho Govs. Phil Batt and Dirk Kempthorne has endorsed Ward as well.
Labrador and Ward are set to clash tonight in a debate sponsored by Idaho Public Television (IPTV). It is open to the public and will take place at 8 Mountain Time/ 7 Pacific. The forum will be held in the 200-seat auditorium in the underground Senate wing of the Idaho State Capitol Building. It will be broadcast live over IPTV or will be available for later viewing on the station's website.
