Rick Larsen
Rick Larsen | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 2nd district | |
Assumed office January 3, 2001 | |
Preceded by | Jack Metcalf |
Personal details | |
Born | Richard Ray Larsen June 15, 1965 Arlington, Washington, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Tiia Karlen (m. 1994) |
Children | 2 |
Education | Pacific Lutheran University (BA) University of Minnesota (MPA) |
Richard Ray Larsen (born June 15, 1965) is the United States Representative for Washington's 2nd congressional district and a member of the Democratic Party. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2000 and was re-elected in each of the eight subsequent elections, most recently in 2018.
Larsen is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Contents
Early life, education and career[edit]
Born in Arlington, Washington, he attended Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Minnesota, earning a master's degree in public affairs. He formerly worked as director of public affairs for the Washington State Dental Association and as a lobbyist for the dental profession.
U.S. House of Representatives[edit]
Committee assignments[edit]
- United States House Committee on Armed Services
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Aviation (Ranking Member)
Caucus participation[edit]
- U.S.-China Working Group
- Electronic Warfare Working Group
- School Safety Caucus
- Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine
- Congressional Arts Caucus[1]
- Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus[2]
- Congressional Cem
- Afterschool Caucuses[3]
- Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus[4]
- U.S.-Japan Caucus[5]
- Congressional Solar Caucus[6]
Political positions[edit]
In 2006, CQPolitics described him:
Larsen, a member of the centrist New Democrat Coalition[7] in the House, has carved an image as a moderate that appeals to crucial swing voters in the politically competitive coastal district in the northwestern corner of Washington State. He still maintains support from centers surrounding the port cities of Everett and Bellingham.
Given the importance of defense- and aviation-oriented jobs in the 2nd District, Larsen's seats on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are politically advantageous.[8]
Rick Larsen has repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would create the Wild Sky Wilderness area in his home district[9] and is a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus. Larsen has authored a law that regulates the international marriage brokering industry, by protecting "mail order brides" from abuse and clients from being monetarily ripped off.[10]
Transportation[edit]
As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has voted yes on every transportation bill since being re-elected in 2008.[11] He believes that "sound investments in transportation keep our economy moving," and improve conditions in other areas.[11] Representative Larsen was one of 79 cosponsors for the SAFETEA-LU Bill to improve highways, increase funding for ferry systems, and expedite the flow of traffic and goods through border crossings.[1]
Labor[edit]
Since being reelected in 2008, Representative Larsen has voted yes on every labor bill, ranging from the "S-Miner Act" to the "Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits and Providing Business and Homebuyer Tax Credits" bill.[11] Rick Larsen has shown support for the interests of the Utility Workers Union of America, Service Employees International Union, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, and AFL – CIO.[12] He claims that he works to support the local Washington economy by investing in small to medium-sized businesses to help them succeed in the global economy.[11]
Abortion[edit]
Pro-choice interest groups have consistently supported Rick Larsen. Planned Parenthood, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and NARAL Pro-Choice America have all highly rated his position on abortion.[13] In addition, he has voted against several bills that would restrict abortion rights.[14]
Healthcare reform[edit]
Larsen has supported the House Democratic proposal for the Affordable Care Act.[15] He voted for the reform bill in November 2009.[16] Rick Larsen does not support single-payer health insurance. He has been quoted on the subject saying: "no, he thought it was more appropriate to stick with defending Obamacare, not to change in the middle of the controversy." [17]
Iraq War[edit]
Although Larsen initially voted against a bill authorizing military force in Iraq in October 2002, he has since voted yes on nearly every bill put forth in the House concerning the Iraq and Afghanistan.[18] Larsen supported President Obama's proposed exit strategy which promises to remove combat troops by summer of 2010.[19]
Impeachment[edit]
Larsen came out in support of impeaching President Donald J. Trump on July 18, 2019.[20]
Political campaigns[edit]
2006[edit]
Larsen defeated Republican Doug Roulstone, a retired Navy officer who was recruited by GOP strategists. Larsen received 65% of the vote to Roulstone's 34%.
2008[edit]
Larsen was challenged in the Democratic primary during his 2008 reelection campaign by perennial candidate Glen Johnson. His Republican opponent for the House race was recently retired Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart.
For the 2008 election cycle, Rick Larsen's campaign's total income was $1,336,438.[21] His campaign spent $1,155,691.[21] The companies that contributed the most money were Boeing Co., Microsoft Corp., American Dental Assn., McBee Strategic Consulting, and Puget Energy.[21] The labor, finance/insurance/real estate, transportation, misc. business, and health sectors were the largest contributing sectors.[21] The major industry donations came from health professionals, transportation unions, building trade unions, retired, and sea transport.[21]
2010[edit]
Larsen narrowly defeated Republican nominee John Koster to win a sixth term.
Larson was endorsed by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on October 13, 2010.[22]
2012[edit]
In 2012, Larsen won reelection by a comfortable margin, with 61% of the vote as compared to Republican Dan Matthews' 39%.[23]
2016[edit]
Larsen was challenged by Republican Marc Hennemann. Hennemann decided to challenge Larsen after Marc received an answer he did not like to a question at a town hall meeting in Coupeville, WA.[24] In the general election, Larsen gathered 64% of the vote compared to Hennemann's 36%.[25]
Electoral history[edit]
Year | Democrat | Votes | Pct | Republican | Votes | Pct | 3rd Party | Party | Votes | Pct | 3rd Party | Party | Votes | Pct | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000 | Rick Larsen | 146,617 | 50% | John Koster | 134,660 | 46% | Stuart Andrews | Libertarian | 7,672 | 3% | Glen S. Johnson | Natural Law | 4,231 | 1% | ||||
2002 | Rick Larsen | 101,219 | 50% | Norma Smith | 92,528 | 46% | Bruce Guthrie | Libertarian | 4,326 | 2% | Bernard P. Haggerty | Green | 4,077 | 2% | ||||
2004 | Rick Larsen | 202,383 | 64% | Suzanne Sinclair | 106,333 | 34% | Bruce Guthrie | Libertarian | 7,966 | 2% | ||||||||
2006 | Rick Larsen | 157,064 | 64% | Doug Roulstone | 87,730 | 36% | ||||||||||||
2008 | Rick Larsen | 217,416 | 62% | Rick Bart | 131,051 | 38% | ||||||||||||
2010 | Rick Larsen | 155,241 | 51% | John Koster | 148,722 | 49% | ||||||||||||
2012 | Rick Larsen | 184,826 | 61% | Dan Matthews | 117,465 | 39% | ||||||||||||
2014 | Rick Larsen | 67,812 | 62% | B.J. Guillot | 41,889 | 38% | ||||||||||||
2016 | Rick Larsen | 208,314 | 64% | Marc Hennemann | 117,094 | 36% | ||||||||||||
2018 | Rick Larsen | 135,831 | 72.4% | Brian Luke | Libertarian | 51,709 | 27.6% |
References[edit]
- ^ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
- ^ "Heck and Kilmer Announce Launch of Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus". Congressman Derek Kilmer. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ "Members". Afterschool Alliance. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
- ^ "Members". Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
- ^ "Members". U.S. - Japan Caucus. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
- ^ Rick Larsen. "Committees and Caucuses". Retrieved February 5, 2019.
- ^ "Members". New Democrat Coalition. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
- ^ "Politics Home Page: Roll Call". cqpolitics.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ "Wild Sky wilderness bill back in Congress". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ House bio Archived August 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c d "Project Vote Smart". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ "Project Vote Smart". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ "Project Vote Smart - Representative Rick Larsen - Interest Group Ratings". Votesmart.org. May 14, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
- ^ "Project Vote Smart - Representative Rick Larsen - Voting Record". Votesmart.org. July 30, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
- ^ "Healthcare - Rick Larsen, Representing Washington State's 2nd Congressional District". House.gov. March 23, 2010. Archived from the original on August 10, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
- ^ "Project Vote Smart - Representative Larsen on HR 3962 - Health Care and Insurance Law Amendments". Votesmart.org. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
- ^ "Rick Larsen Town Hall". San Juan Island Update. March 27, 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
- ^ "Project Vote Smart - Representative Rick Larsen - Voting Record". Votesmart.org. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
- ^ "Iraq - Rick Larsen, Representing Washington State's 2nd Congressional District". House.gov. September 11, 2001. Archived from the original on August 10, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
- ^ "Rep. Larsen Statement". Twitter.com. July 18, 2019
- ^ a b c d e "Project Vote Smart". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ PI.com: Larsen deserves re-election, editorial board, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 13, 2010
- ^ Reed, Sam. "2nd Congression District election". 2012 election results. WA STATE SEC OF STATE.
- ^ "He didn't like congressman's reply to his question, so now he's running against him". miamiherald. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
- ^ "Washington's 2nd Congressional District election, 2016 - Ballotpedia". Retrieved May 3, 2018.
- ^ "Election Statistics". Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2008.
- ^ "Washington State General Election Results". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
- ^ "Washington State General Election Results". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
External links[edit]
- Congressman Rick Larsen official U.S. House site
- Rick Larsen for Congress
- Rick Larsen at Curlie
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- The Role of Congress in the U.S-China Relationship, Presentation by Congressman Rick Larsen at Engaging Asia 2011 (March 30, 2011)
U.S. House of Representatives | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by Jack Metcalf |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 2nd congressional district 2001–present |
Incumbent |
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial) | ||
Preceded by Jim Langevin |
United States Representatives by seniority 67th |
Succeeded by Betty McCollum |
- 1965 births
- 21st-century American politicians
- American Methodists
- Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives
- Living people
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from Washington (state)
- Pacific Lutheran University alumni
- People from Arlington, Washington
- University of Minnesota alumni
- Washington (state) Democrats