Labrador Wins Idaho Primary for Congress

Press Release

Scores Upset Victory with nearly 10% Margin

State Representative Raul Labrador scored an upset victory Tuesday in Idaho's 1st Congressional District Republican Primary. Unofficial results show Labrador winning with 38,317 votes to 31,113 for his closest rival, Vaughn Ward.

Those same tallies show Labrador winning 11-of-19 counties in the 1st District, while carrying all three regions of the sprawling district.

After getting a call from Mr. Ward, Rep. Labrador took to the podium at the Idaho GOP Primary Election Party held at the Boise DoubleTree Riverside.

"I've received a call of congratulations from Mr. Ward, and I appreciate his graciousness," Labrador began his speech. "I want to acknowledge his service to this nation and his hard work as a candidate."

Labrador then shifted his speech to talk about his campaign against incumbent Democrat, Walt Minnick:

"I view Mr. Minnick as an honorable man …. We disagree on a host of issues, but I am committed to having a vigorous debate and running an honorable campaign focused on what is best for America and Idaho…. [T]he people of Idaho deserve that kind of debate."

Labrador offered a preview of his general election message:

"America is in serious trouble," Labrador added. "The unemployment rate in Idaho is painfully high, the national debt and deficit are just out of control. We cannot continue to spend money we don't have.

"But more than our economic security is at stake. Our liberties are threatened.

"The Congress under Nancy Pelosi continues to defy the American people and we must wrest the gavel from her hands. Any hope for doing that requires we take back the First District seat now held by a Democrat who helped put Speaker Pelosi in power.

"My hero is Ronald Reagan. He never apologized for his belief in America. Neither will I. Yet he carried his battle of ideas to the American people with an optimistic tone and smiling heart. I hope to do the same. Our neighbors need hope -- they need answers. We Republicans know that the security of America hinges on redeeming the vision of freedom first articulated by the Founding Fathers."

Labrador plans to immediately begin work on reorganizing the campaign to effectively challenge a well-financed incumbent, with a priority on staffing, fundraising and personally reaching out to Ward primary supporters.

"To beat Walt Minnick this fall," Labrador concluded, "we will need the energy and talent of all Republicans across the district. I welcome their counsel and support."

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