Rick Larsen

Richard Ray "Rick" Larsen, a Democrat, has represented the Second Congressional District of Washington in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001.

Iraq War
Larsen voted against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War. More recently, on his website he has stated: "It's time for a new direction in Iraq. I believe that instead of spending our military might keeping a lid on Iraq's civil war, we should focus on fighting terrorists, using all the elements of our national power." 

Abortion
Larsen has been consistantly supported by Naral Pro-Choice America, indicating a pro-choice stance. In addition he voted "No" on the controversial Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, which banned a certain type of abortion procedure-sometimes considered the best procedure when the woman's health is at risk. However, there is no statement on his website clarifying his stance on abortion.

Energy
Larsen has stated that he will continue to support "legislation to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency and help create thousands of jobs." Furthermore, he has voted for research in biofuels and alternative energy, while voting against construction of new oil refineries and offshore drilling. 

Gay Marriage/Civil Rights
Larsen has voted "NO" twice on federal constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage and defining marriage as between one man and one woman, in 2004 and 2006, respectively. He was rated to represent the interests of the Human Rights Campaign by 75% in 2006, indicating a pro-gay rights stance. 

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Bio
Born June 15, 1965 in Arlington, Washington, Larson attended Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Minnesota, earning a Master's Degree in Public Affairs. Before being elected to the House, he served as Snohomish County Councilman and Council Chair.

Congressional career
He was first elected to the House in 2000.

2006 elections
In 2006, Republicans nominated Douglas Robert Roulstone to face Larson in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Larsen retained his seat.

Money in politics
cid=N00009759&cycle=2008

Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Armed Services
 * Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
 * Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Aviation
 * Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
 * House Committee on Small Business
 * Subcommittee on Regulations, Healthcare, and Trade
 * Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
 * Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture
 * House Committee on Armed Services
 * Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
 * Subcommittee on Terrorism Unconventional Threats and Capabilities
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Aviation
 * Subcommittee on Highways Transit and Pipelines

More Background Data

 * 2006 Washington CD 2 Candidate List from VIS

2008 Campaign Contact Information
Official Larsen for Congress website

Citizens to Elect Rick Larsen PO Box 326 Everett, WA 98206

Phone: (425) 259-1866 Fax: (425) 259-0117

[mailto:rick@ricklarsen.org rick@ricklarsen.org]

External resources

 * Official website
 * Rick Larsen's Colbert Report interview. (Other Colbert Report interviews with members of Congress.)
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database