Richard Ray "Rick" Larsen (born June 15, 1965) is the
U.S. RepresentativeThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the
Democratic PartyThe Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
.
Early life, education and career
Born in
Arlington, WashingtonArlington is a city in northern Snohomish County, Washington, United States, bordered by the city of Marysville to the south. The population was 17,926 at the 2010 census.-History:...
, he attended
Pacific Lutheran UniversityPacific Lutheran University is located in Parkland, a suburb of Tacoma, Washington. In September 2009, PLU had a student population of 3,582 and approximately 280 full-time faculty...
and the
University of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
, 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. He also worked for the city of
Everett, WashingtonEverett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
as director of economic development for the city's port.
Before being elected to the House, Larsen gained political experience when he served as a
Snohomish CountySnohomish County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Snohomish tribe. Since 2000, the county's population has grown from 606,024 to 713,335 residents , making it one of the fastest-growing in the state, ranking third in overall population after King and...
Councilman and as chair of the Snohomish County Council.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Armed Services
thumb|United States House Committee on Armed Services emblemThe U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives...
- Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
- Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces is a subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee in the United States House of Representatives.-Jurisdiction:The Strategic Forces Subcommittee exercises oversight and legislative jurisdiction over:...
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
Caucus Participation
- U.S.-China Working Group
- Electronic Warfare Working Group
- Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine
- Congressional Arts Caucus
Political positions
In 2006,
CQPolitics described him:
Larsen, a member of the centrist New Democrat CoalitionThe New Democrat Coalition is a Congressional Member Organization within the United States Congress made up of Democrats who support an agenda that the organization describes as moderate and pro-growth. A July 2009 Press release described the organization as "the largest moderate coalition in the U.S...
in the House, has carved an image as a moderateIn politics and religion, a moderate is an individual who is not extreme, partisan or radical. In recent years, political moderates has gained traction as a buzzword....
that appeals to crucial swing voters in the politically competitive coastal district in the northwestern corner of Washington State. He still maintains support from more liberalLiberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
voters, mainly in the district’s population centers surrounding the port cities of EverettEverett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
and BellinghamBellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
.
Given the importance of defense- and aviation-oriented jobs in the 2nd District, Larsen’s seats on the Armed Services Committeethumb|United States House Committee on Armed Services emblemThe U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives...
and the Transportation and Infrastructure CommitteeThe U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
are politically advantageous.
Rick Larsen has repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would create the
Wild Sky WildernessThe Wild Sky Wilderness is a wilderness area in the western Cascade Range of Washington state. The wilderness is within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest north of the U.S. Highway 2 towns of Index and Skykomish. The wilderness flanks, but does not include, the North Fork Skykomish River...
area in his home district and is a member of the
Congressional Wildlife Refuge CaucusThe Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus is a large bi-partisan Congressional Member Organization in the U.S. House of Representatives formed to support the National Wildlife Refuge System through legislation, funding, and education.-History:...
.
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. Among his other priorities are fighting for better access to health care for veterans and the poor, increasing support for government programs that combat homelessness, increasing highway funding, and finding solutions to the growing methamphetamine problem in the district.
Transportation
One of Rick Larsen’s major priorities is transportation issues. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has voted yes on every transportation bill since being reelected in 2008. He believes that “sound investments in transportation keep our economy moving,” and improve conditions in other areas. Representative Larsen has gotten over $52 million dollars in the form of transportation projects for the SAFETEA-LU Bill to improve highways, increase funding for ferry systems, and expedite the flow of traffic and goods through border crossings.
Labor
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. Rick Larsen has shown strong 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. He works to support the local Washington economy by investing in small to medium-sized businesses to help them succeed in the global economy.
Abortion
Pro-choice interest groups have consistently supported Rick Larsen.
Planned ParenthoodPlanned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and
NARAL Pro-Choice AmericaNARAL Pro-Choice America , formerly the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, then National Abortion Rights Action League, and later National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, is an organization in the United States that engages in political action to oppose...
have all highly rated his position on abortion. In addition, he has voted against several bills that would restrict abortion rights.
Healthcare reform
Larsen has supported the House Democratic proposal for
publicly-funded health carePublicly funded health care is a form of health care financing designed to meet the cost of all or most health care needs from a publicly managed fund. Usually this is under some form of democratic accountability, the right of access to which are set down in rules applying to the whole population...
. He voted for the reform bill in November 2009.
Iraq War
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
AfghanistanThe War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
. Larsen supports
President Obama'sBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
proposed exit strategy which promises to remove combat troops by summer of 2010.
2006
Larsen defeated Republican candidate Doug Roulstone, a retired Navy officer who was recruited by GOP strategists. Larsen received 65% of the vote to Roulstone's 34%.
2008
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. His campaign spent $1,155,691. The companies that contributed the most money were Boeing Co., Microsoft Corp., American Dental Assn., McBee Strategic Consulting, and Puget Energy. The labor, finance/insurance/real estate, transportation, misc. business, and health sectors were the largest contributing sectors. The major industry donations came from heath professionals, transportation unions, building trade unions, retired, and sea transport.
2010
Larsen narrowly defeated Republican nominee John Koster to win a sixth term.
Larson was endorsed by the
Seattle Post-IntelligencerThe Seattle Post-Intelligencer is an online newspaper and former print newspaper covering Seattle, Washington, United States, and the surrounding metropolitan area...
on October 13, 2010.
Electoral history
{{for|the Lieutenant Governor of North DakotaThe Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota is a political office in North Dakota. The Lieutenant Governor's duty is to preside as President of the Senate, and is responsible for legislative relations, the state budget and agri-business development. Should the Governor's office become vacant, the...
|Richard F. Larsen}}
Richard Ray "Rick" Larsen (born June 15, 1965) is the U.S. RepresentativeThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for {{ushr|WA|2}}, serving since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic PartyThe Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
.
Early life, education and career
Born in Arlington, WashingtonArlington is a city in northern Snohomish County, Washington, United States, bordered by the city of Marysville to the south. The population was 17,926 at the 2010 census.-History:...
, he attended Pacific Lutheran UniversityPacific Lutheran University is located in Parkland, a suburb of Tacoma, Washington. In September 2009, PLU had a student population of 3,582 and approximately 280 full-time faculty...
and the University of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
, 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. He also worked for the city of Everett, WashingtonEverett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
as director of economic development for the city's port.
Before being elected to the House, Larsen gained political experience when he served as a Snohomish CountySnohomish County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Snohomish tribe. Since 2000, the county's population has grown from 606,024 to 713,335 residents , making it one of the fastest-growing in the state, ranking third in overall population after King and...
Councilman and as chair of the Snohomish County Council.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Armed Services
thumb|United States House Committee on Armed Services emblemThe U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives...
- Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
- Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces is a subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee in the United States House of Representatives.-Jurisdiction:The Strategic Forces Subcommittee exercises oversight and legislative jurisdiction over:...
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
Caucus Participation
- U.S.-China Working Group
- Electronic Warfare Working Group
- Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine
- Congressional Arts Caucus
Political positions
In 2006, CQPolitics described him:
Larsen, a member of the centrist New Democrat CoalitionThe New Democrat Coalition is a Congressional Member Organization within the United States Congress made up of Democrats who support an agenda that the organization describes as moderate and pro-growth. A July 2009 Press release described the organization as "the largest moderate coalition in the U.S...
in the House, has carved an image as a moderateIn politics and religion, a moderate is an individual who is not extreme, partisan or radical. In recent years, political moderates has gained traction as a buzzword....
that appeals to crucial swing voters in the politically competitive coastal district in the northwestern corner of Washington State. He still maintains support from more liberalLiberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
voters, mainly in the district’s population centers surrounding the port cities of EverettEverett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
and BellinghamBellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
.
Given the importance of defense- and aviation-oriented jobs in the 2nd District, Larsen’s seats on the Armed Services Committeethumb|United States House Committee on Armed Services emblemThe U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives...
and the Transportation and Infrastructure CommitteeThe U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
are politically advantageous.
Rick Larsen has repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would create the Wild Sky WildernessThe Wild Sky Wilderness is a wilderness area in the western Cascade Range of Washington state. The wilderness is within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest north of the U.S. Highway 2 towns of Index and Skykomish. The wilderness flanks, but does not include, the North Fork Skykomish River...
area in his home district and is a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge CaucusThe Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus is a large bi-partisan Congressional Member Organization in the U.S. House of Representatives formed to support the National Wildlife Refuge System through legislation, funding, and education.-History:...
.
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. Among his other priorities are fighting for better access to health care for veterans and the poor, increasing support for government programs that combat homelessness, increasing highway funding, and finding solutions to the growing methamphetamine problem in the district.
Transportation
One of Rick Larsen’s major priorities is transportation issues. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has voted yes on every transportation bill since being reelected in 2008. He believes that “sound investments in transportation keep our economy moving,” and improve conditions in other areas. Representative Larsen has gotten over $52 million dollars in the form of transportation projects for the SAFETEA-LU Bill to improve highways, increase funding for ferry systems, and expedite the flow of traffic and goods through border crossings.
Labor
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. Rick Larsen has shown strong 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. He works to support the local Washington economy by investing in small to medium-sized businesses to help them succeed in the global economy.
Abortion
Pro-choice interest groups have consistently supported Rick Larsen. Planned ParenthoodPlanned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and NARAL Pro-Choice AmericaNARAL Pro-Choice America , formerly the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, then National Abortion Rights Action League, and later National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, is an organization in the United States that engages in political action to oppose...
have all highly rated his position on abortion. In addition, he has voted against several bills that would restrict abortion rights.
Healthcare reform
Larsen has supported the House Democratic proposal for publicly-funded health carePublicly funded health care is a form of health care financing designed to meet the cost of all or most health care needs from a publicly managed fund. Usually this is under some form of democratic accountability, the right of access to which are set down in rules applying to the whole population...
. He voted for the reform bill in November 2009.
Iraq War
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 AfghanistanThe War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
. Larsen supports President Obama'sBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
proposed exit strategy which promises to remove combat troops by summer of 2010.
2006
{{See also|United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2006#District 2}}
Larsen defeated Republican candidate Doug Roulstone, a retired Navy officer who was recruited by GOP strategists. Larsen received 65% of the vote to Roulstone's 34%.
2008
{{See also|United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2008}}
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. His campaign spent $1,155,691. The companies that contributed the most money were Boeing Co., Microsoft Corp., American Dental Assn., McBee Strategic Consulting, and Puget Energy. The labor, finance/insurance/real estate, transportation, misc. business, and health sectors were the largest contributing sectors. The major industry donations came from heath professionals, transportation unions, building trade unions, retired, and sea transport.
2010
{{See also|United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2010#District 2}}
Larsen narrowly defeated Republican nominee John Koster to win a sixth term.
Larson was endorsed by the Seattle Post-IntelligencerThe Seattle Post-Intelligencer is an online newspaper and former print newspaper covering Seattle, Washington, United States, and the surrounding metropolitan area...
on October 13, 2010.
Electoral history
{{for|the Lieutenant Governor of North DakotaThe Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota is a political office in North Dakota. The Lieutenant Governor's duty is to preside as President of the Senate, and is responsible for legislative relations, the state budget and agri-business development. Should the Governor's office become vacant, the...
|Richard F. Larsen}}
Richard Ray "Rick" Larsen (born June 15, 1965) is the U.S. RepresentativeThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for {{ushr|WA|2}}, serving since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic PartyThe Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
.
Early life, education and career
Born in Arlington, WashingtonArlington is a city in northern Snohomish County, Washington, United States, bordered by the city of Marysville to the south. The population was 17,926 at the 2010 census.-History:...
, he attended Pacific Lutheran UniversityPacific Lutheran University is located in Parkland, a suburb of Tacoma, Washington. In September 2009, PLU had a student population of 3,582 and approximately 280 full-time faculty...
and the University of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
, 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. He also worked for the city of Everett, WashingtonEverett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
as director of economic development for the city's port.
Before being elected to the House, Larsen gained political experience when he served as a Snohomish CountySnohomish County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Snohomish tribe. Since 2000, the county's population has grown from 606,024 to 713,335 residents , making it one of the fastest-growing in the state, ranking third in overall population after King and...
Councilman and as chair of the Snohomish County Council.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Armed Services
thumb|United States House Committee on Armed Services emblemThe U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives...
- Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
- Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces is a subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee in the United States House of Representatives.-Jurisdiction:The Strategic Forces Subcommittee exercises oversight and legislative jurisdiction over:...
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
Caucus Participation
- U.S.-China Working Group
- Electronic Warfare Working Group
- Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine
- Congressional Arts Caucus
Political positions
In 2006, CQPolitics described him:
Larsen, a member of the centrist New Democrat CoalitionThe New Democrat Coalition is a Congressional Member Organization within the United States Congress made up of Democrats who support an agenda that the organization describes as moderate and pro-growth. A July 2009 Press release described the organization as "the largest moderate coalition in the U.S...
in the House, has carved an image as a moderateIn politics and religion, a moderate is an individual who is not extreme, partisan or radical. In recent years, political moderates has gained traction as a buzzword....
that appeals to crucial swing voters in the politically competitive coastal district in the northwestern corner of Washington State. He still maintains support from more liberalLiberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
voters, mainly in the district’s population centers surrounding the port cities of EverettEverett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...
and BellinghamBellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
.
Given the importance of defense- and aviation-oriented jobs in the 2nd District, Larsen’s seats on the Armed Services Committeethumb|United States House Committee on Armed Services emblemThe U.S. House Committee on Armed Services, commonly known as the House Armed Services Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives...
and the Transportation and Infrastructure CommitteeThe U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives. John Mica currently chairs the committee.-History:...
are politically advantageous.
Rick Larsen has repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would create the Wild Sky WildernessThe Wild Sky Wilderness is a wilderness area in the western Cascade Range of Washington state. The wilderness is within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest north of the U.S. Highway 2 towns of Index and Skykomish. The wilderness flanks, but does not include, the North Fork Skykomish River...
area in his home district and is a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge CaucusThe Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus is a large bi-partisan Congressional Member Organization in the U.S. House of Representatives formed to support the National Wildlife Refuge System through legislation, funding, and education.-History:...
.
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. Among his other priorities are fighting for better access to health care for veterans and the poor, increasing support for government programs that combat homelessness, increasing highway funding, and finding solutions to the growing methamphetamine problem in the district.
Transportation
One of Rick Larsen’s major priorities is transportation issues. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has voted yes on every transportation bill since being reelected in 2008. He believes that “sound investments in transportation keep our economy moving,” and improve conditions in other areas. Representative Larsen has gotten over $52 million dollars in the form of transportation projects for the SAFETEA-LU Bill to improve highways, increase funding for ferry systems, and expedite the flow of traffic and goods through border crossings.
Labor
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. Rick Larsen has shown strong 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. He works to support the local Washington economy by investing in small to medium-sized businesses to help them succeed in the global economy.
Abortion
Pro-choice interest groups have consistently supported Rick Larsen. Planned ParenthoodPlanned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and NARAL Pro-Choice AmericaNARAL Pro-Choice America , formerly the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, then National Abortion Rights Action League, and later National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, is an organization in the United States that engages in political action to oppose...
have all highly rated his position on abortion. In addition, he has voted against several bills that would restrict abortion rights.
Healthcare reform
Larsen has supported the House Democratic proposal for publicly-funded health carePublicly funded health care is a form of health care financing designed to meet the cost of all or most health care needs from a publicly managed fund. Usually this is under some form of democratic accountability, the right of access to which are set down in rules applying to the whole population...
. He voted for the reform bill in November 2009.
Iraq War
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 AfghanistanThe War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
. Larsen supports President Obama'sBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
proposed exit strategy which promises to remove combat troops by summer of 2010.
2006
{{See also|United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2006#District 2}}
Larsen defeated Republican candidate Doug Roulstone, a retired Navy officer who was recruited by GOP strategists. Larsen received 65% of the vote to Roulstone's 34%.
2008
{{See also|United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2008}}
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. His campaign spent $1,155,691. The companies that contributed the most money were Boeing Co., Microsoft Corp., American Dental Assn., McBee Strategic Consulting, and Puget Energy. The labor, finance/insurance/real estate, transportation, misc. business, and health sectors were the largest contributing sectors. The major industry donations came from heath professionals, transportation unions, building trade unions, retired, and sea transport.
2010
{{See also|United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2010#District 2}}
Larsen narrowly defeated Republican nominee John Koster to win a sixth term.
Larson was endorsed by the Seattle Post-IntelligencerThe Seattle Post-Intelligencer is an online newspaper and former print newspaper covering Seattle, Washington, United States, and the surrounding metropolitan area...
on October 13, 2010.
Electoral history
{{ushr|Washington|2|}
}: Results 1992–2008
!|Year
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|3rd Party
!|Party
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|3rd Party
!|Party
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
|-
|2000
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Rick Larsen
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |146,617
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |50%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |John Koster
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |134,660
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |46%
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |Stuart Andrews
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |LibertarianThe Libertarian Party is the third largest and fastest growing political party in the United States. The political platform of the Libertarian Party reflects its brand of libertarianism, favoring minimally regulated, laissez-faire markets, strong civil liberties, minimally regulated migration...
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |7,672
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |3%
|
|{{Party shading/Independent}} |Glen S. Johnson
|{{Party shading/Independent}} |Natural Law
|{{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |4,231
|{{Party shading/Independent}} align="right" |1%
|
|-
|2002
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Rick Larsen
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |101,219
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |50%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |Norma Smith
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |92,528
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |46%
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |Bruce Guthrie
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |LibertarianThe Libertarian Party is the third largest and fastest growing political party in the United States. The political platform of the Libertarian Party reflects its brand of libertarianism, favoring minimally regulated, laissez-faire markets, strong civil liberties, minimally regulated migration...
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |4,326
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |2%
|
|{{Party shading/Green}} |Bernard P. Haggerty
|{{Party shading/Green}} |GreenThe Green Party of the United States is a nationally recognized political party which officially formed in 1991. It is a voluntary association of state green parties. Prior to national formation, many state affiliates had already formed and were recognized by other state parties...
|{{Party shading/Green}} align="right" |4,077
|{{Party shading/Green}} align="right" |2%
|
|-
|2004
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Rick Larsen
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |202,383
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |64%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Suzanne Sinclair}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |106,333
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |34%
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |Bruce Guthrie
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |LibertarianThe Libertarian Party is the third largest and fastest growing political party in the United States. The political platform of the Libertarian Party reflects its brand of libertarianism, favoring minimally regulated, laissez-faire markets, strong civil liberties, minimally regulated migration...
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |7,966
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2006
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|Rick Larsen}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |157,064
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |64%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Doug Roulstone}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |87,730
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |36%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2008
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|Rick Larsen}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |217,416
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |62%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|Rick Bart}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |131,051
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |38%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2010
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |Rick Larsen
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |155,241
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |51%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |John Koster
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |148,722
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |49%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
{{s-end}}
External links
{{s-start}}
{{s-par|us-hs}}
{{USRepSuccessionBox |
state=Washington|
district=2 |
before=Jack MetcalfJack Metcalf was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. He represented the 2nd Congressional District of Washington as a Republican....
|
after=Incumbent |
years=2001–Present}}
{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=James LangevinJames R. Langevin is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life and education:Langevin was born in Providence, Rhode Island...
D-Rhode IslandThe state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
}}
{{s-ttl|title=United States Representatives by seniority|years=179th}}
{{s-aft|after=Betty McCollumBetty Louise McCollum is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. She is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party ....
D-MinnesotaMinnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
}}
{{s-end}}
{{WA-FedRep}}
{{Persondata
| NAME =Larsen, Rick
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =1965-06-15
| PLACE OF BIRTH =Arlington, WashingtonArlington is a city in northern Snohomish County, Washington, United States, bordered by the city of Marysville to the south. The population was 17,926 at the 2010 census.-History:...
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Larsen, Rick}}