Rick Crawford for Congress

U.S. Representative for Arkansas' 1st Congressional District

Crawford Earns Endorsement of American Conservative Union PAC

by

JONESBORO –  First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford announced the endorsement today of the American Conservative Union Political Action Committee.  ACU PAC, which organizes each year the annual CPAC gathering of conservatives, cites Rick as the clear conservative choice for voters in November.

“Rick Crawford is the clear conservative choice for Arkansas’ First District,” said ACU PAC Chairman David A. Keene.  “His willingness to take on seven term liberal incumbent Marion Berry encouraged Berry to retire.  Rick Crawford has pledged to repeal Obamacare, increase domestic energy production and fight any attempt by either party to expand government or increase spending.  I urge all conservatives to support Rick Crawford and give Arkansas’ First District the representation it deserves.”

This endorsement comes as Rick Crawford continues to gain huge amounts of traction in his campaign to get Washington off the back of Arkansas’ businesses, farmers and family budgets. Leading into the final three months of the campaign, Crawford has racked up several major endorsements including the most recent from Terry Green and Richard Walden.

“It is an honor to add the endorsement of the nation’s largest conservative organization to the growing list of those who will stand with me against big government, higher taxes and Obamacare,” said Crawford.  “The ACU PAC’s support in this race further demonstrates conservatives in the First District are ready for a Congressman in Washington who will stand up to the liberal Obama-Pelosi agenda,” concluded Crawford.

Statement from Rick Crawford on Endorsement from Independent Richard Walden

by

JONESBORO –   “I am looking forward to Richard joining our campaign,” said Crawford.  “I know that Richard and I both agree that the liberal agenda in Washington, being led by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, must have a check and balance to ensure that the voices of Arkansans in the First District will be heard.  In the days and weeks ahead, I look forward to visiting with conservative Independents so they know where I stand on the critical issues facing our nation.  I look forward to earning their votes, as well as conservative Democrats, on November 2nd “concluded Crawford.

Congressional Candidate Terry Green Endorses Rick Crawford

by

JONESBORO – First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford announced the endorsement of Terry Green today.  Green, who ran in the six-man race for the Democratic nomination in May, stated that Rick Crawford is the clear choice for voters in November.

“I got to know Rick as we met at various campaign events across the District and found him dedicated to the people of the First District more than he was any political party” said Green.  “I believe Rick Crawford will put us first in Washington as he fights to restore our economy, put people back to work, and implement common-sense based healthcare reform.”

Green was born and raised in Dewitt. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Arkansas, completed a surgical internship at Baylor University in Dallas and an orthopedic residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  Green served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for six years.  He has been married for 35 years and has four grown children and two grandchildren.

“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of Dr. Green.  It was a pleasure getting to know Dr. Green as we met on the campaign trail during the primary season and found him to be a passionate American who wanted to do what was right for the people of the First District” said Crawford.  “I share those same passions as Dr. Green and I look forward to working with him as we continue on to November 2nd” concluded Crawford.

This is the ninth endorsement for Rick Crawford.  The most recent endorsements come from three senior advisors that served on the Tim Wooldridge for Congress Campaign.

Senior Wooldridge Campaign Advisors Join Crawford Campaign

by

JONESBORO – First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford announced the addition of three new members to his campaign cabinet. The three members, who all served previously on Tim Wooldridge’s congressional campaign, will be serving in similar capacities on the Crawford campaign.

Todd Gazaway, of Paragould, served as Campaign Chairman for the Tim Wooldridge for Congress Campaign. Todd will hold a similar position with Crawford and cited Rick’s conservative values as the reason for his support. “Rick is the pro-life, pro-traditional values candidate that reflects my values and the values of Arkansans in the First District. It will be an honor working with him and his other senior staff as we progress further in his campaign.”

Barry Phillips, of Jonesboro, served as a senior staff member and financial advisor for Tim Wooldridge for Congress. Phillps, who like Gazaway cited Crawford’s conservative values, also underscored Rick’s experience in job creation as his reason for joining the campaign. “Rick understands that every piece of legislation has a moral implication for families in the First District and I believe Rick is the person we need in Washington at this very critical time in our country.”

Doug Smith, of Cave City, who served as senior field director for Tim Wooldridge for Congress, will serve in the same position on the Crawford Campaign. “Rick is going to do all he can to help put people back to work and ensure that Arkansans in the First District come first, not any political agenda in Washington.”

“It is truly and honor and a privilege to work with these men on my campaign” Said Crawford. “Each of these men has been active leaders in the First District and I am looking forward to working with them in my campaign to restore our economy, our values, and our country”, concluded Crawford.

Crawford Condemns Injunction on Immigration Law in Arizona

by

JONESBORO – First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford has condemned U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton’s temporary injunction against critical parts of the recently-passed Arizona immigration law.  The law was set to go into effect today.  Crawford also called on the Administration to back down on its lawsuit against the law and promised to push for passage of legislation that will crack down on illegal immigration.

In April, Arizona passed SB 1070.  The most controversial parts of the sweeping law require police officers to “make a reasonable attempt to determine the immigration status of a person stopped, detained or arrested.” The law also makes it a crime to “for an unauthorized alien to solicit, apply for or perform work.”  It is already a violation of Federal law for an employer to knowingly hire or employ an illegal alien.

Crawford says, “The Arizona law is a common sense law.  A police officer should be free to run a background check on anyone he stops for violation of a traffic law. The officer should not be the subject of a Federal lawsuit; he should be applauded for doing good police work.  The Administration should drop its lawsuit.”

This month the Obama Administration, acting through Attorney General Eric Holder, sued Arizona, claiming the Federal government has sole responsibility for addressing immigration issues.  Judge Bolton issued the injunction in response to the Obama Administration’s lawsuit.  The injunction temporarily prevents the above-described sections from going into effect.

“The old joke used to be, ‘we’re from the government and we’re here to help.’  However, now the Obama Administration is telling Arizona, ‘we’re from the government and we’re here to prevent you from helping.’”  Crawford continued, “It is hypocritical for Eric Holder to sue Arizona for dealing with a problem the Obama Administration has failed to address.  The residents of the First District can be sure when I’m elected; I will not duck the tough issues.”

Pawlenty Endorses Rick Crawford

by

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Today, Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Freedom First PAC endorsed Rick Crawford for Arkansas’ First Congressional District. Rick Crawford shares Governor Pawlenty’s commitment to a limited government and fiscal responsibility.

“I got to know Rick a year ago, and he’s exactly the sort of fresh voice we need in Congress,” Pawlenty said. “We need to stop the out-of-control spending Washington, and that’s exactly what Rick will do.”

In addition to direct support from the PAC, candidates endorsed by the Freedom First PAC benefit from a donation feature that allows supporters to contribute directly to endorsed candidates through TimPawlenty.com.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of a true conservative leader like Governor Pawlenty,” Crawford said. “Governor Pawlenty has shown that if you stick to your fiscally conservative principles, you can govern effectively. That’s what I plan to do in Congress, and that’s why I am honored to receive such an endorsement from him.”

Princella Smith Endorses Rick Crawford

by

– Seasoned Conservative Endorses Crawford, Cites Need for Real Change –

JONESBORO – Today, First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and small business owner Rick Crawford announced the endorsement of Princella Smith of Wynne.  Smith cited Crawford’s conservative ideals as the basis for her endorsement.

Smith, who also vied for the Republican Congressional nomination this year, got her first cut at politics under former Arkansas Lt. Governor Rockefeller and later worked with Governor Mike Huckabee, U.S. Congressman John Boozman, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and as an aide at the U.S. Department of Labor and on Capitol Hill. She has been a regular political commentator on several national news outlets and serves as a visiting fellow, guest lecturer, and board member for several conservative institutions.

“Rick Crawford understands that Washington cannot continue following the liberal over spending agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama,” said Smith.  “Rick understands the need for job creation and innovation in the First District of Arkansas and will fight for the type of fiscal responsibility that is desperately needed in Congress.”

Smith continued: “Rick’s military background has equipped him with the ability to execute a critical mission under intense pressure, and it has given him an understanding that we must end this administration’s propensity for kicking our allies in the teeth. I look forward to working with Rick as he becomes our next Congressman from the First District of Arkansas.”

“I am grateful and honored to receive this endorsement from Princella,” said Crawford.  “Princella has been active the last several years in traveling across our country to champion the conservative principles missing in Washington, and with her help, I want to apply those principles as a check and balance against this out of control spending agenda being led by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama.”

This is the sixth endorsement by a conservative leader in Arkansas for the Crawford for Congress campaign.  Previous endorsements include Governor Mike Huckabee, Congressmen Asa Hutchinson  Ed Bethune, Nelda Speaks of Mountain Home, and State Representative Davy Carter of Cabot.

More About Rick

After graduation from high school, Rick enlisted in the United States Army where he advanced to the rank of Sergeant in less than three years and earned numerous medals for service in the U.S. and Southwest Asia.  After completing his term of service in the Army, Rick earned a B.A. in Agriculture Business and Economics from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.  Since his graduation, Rick has worked in the agricultural field in both agri-communications and general agri-business.  He now owns and operates the AgWatch Network, a farm news network heard on 39 radio stations in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky as well as TV stations in Little Rock and Jonesboro.  Rick and his wife Stacy live in Jonesboro with their two children.

-30-

Tea Party Straw Poll Results

by

The Arkansas Tea Party conducted a straw poll April 15th for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House races. I am proud to announce that voters overwhelmingly supported the agenda that I presented by giving me 81 percent of the total vote (complete results are listed below).

There is indeed a growing sentiment that we can no longer ignore our nation’s mounting fiscal crisis, which is $56.5 trillion and growing by roughly $3 trillion each year. With interest on the national debt soon to be the largest single line item in the entire federal budget, we CANNOT afford to put this off any longer.

I appreciate everyone who gave me his or her vote of confidence. I am excited about the gathering momentum that will enable me to join the band of reformers who will be sent to change Washington in November.

Tea Party Straw Poll Results (1st District)

Name                                   Number of Votes                 Percentage

Rick Crawford (R)                       149                                        81%

Princella Smith (R)                      31                                          17%

Tim Woolridge (D)                        3                                             2%

Steve Bryles (D)                             1                                               –

Is Nancy Pelosi’s agenda good for farmers, businesses, or families?

by

National Journal reports today that several reporters who closely follow national elections believe momentum is growing for Nancy Pelosi to lose control of the House of Representatives.  You can read the brief article at this link:

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/04/where_the_house.php

What does this mean for you, your family, our state and our country?  For starters it will enable us to begin the process of repealing the multi-trillion healthcare entitlement.  The bill’s major thrust was to create a permanent guarantee, much like food stamps, for health insurance.  While states and the federal government currently provide Medicaid coverage for the poorest Americans, this new entitlement expands the coverage to an additional 32 million people.

So while our country suffocates under a financial burden of $56.5 trillion for programs for which there is not sufficient revenue, Speaker Pelosi and President Obama’s solution is to saddle our nation with trillions in additional costs.  This irresponsible behavior will have significant adverse ramifications in the not-so-distant future.

Excluding the recently-passed healthcare entitlement program, every man, woman, and child would have to pay $184,000 to cover his or her share of the $56.5 trillion shortfall.  Unfortunately, our financial hole is getting deeper at a rate of about $3 trillion annually as our elected officials do nothing to stop the problem.  To cover the shortfall, budget watchers estimate that taxes will have to double or triple for all Americans.  Can you imagine the job-killing impact this would have?

Before you dismiss this as nonsense, consider that the top marginal tax rate throughout the 1970s was 70 percent.  That’s right, a person in the upper income bracket only kept 30 cents of every dollar he or she earned.  Let’s assume that this applied to the top 10 percent of all income earners (joint returns included).  A person–or couple filing jointly–at the bottom of the top ten percent, according to the IRS, makes roughly $119,000.  The federal government would take $83,300 and the taxpayer would be allowed to keep $35,700 (before state and local taxes, of course).

A sobering thought on the day after Tax Day.

Of course, the problem with raising taxes back to the level of the 1970s is that it would crush our economy.  However, Congress spends as if it has ample money in its pocket.  Apparently Congress’ “money” has burned a hole through its pocket, through the floor, and halfway through the planet!

If this troubles you and you are interested in becoming involved in taking back our country, I urge you to join my campaign team and share this article with others.  As the National Journal story indicates, there is a growing sentiment in America that it is time to boot Speaker Pelosi and her liberal agenda.  But we cannot do it without you and others emailing and calling friends to share the facts and contributing to our campaign so that we can continue to run a strong race that will end Speaker Pelosi’s control of the House of Representatives.  Remember, a government by the people requires active participation by “We the People.”

You can read more of my thoughts about the budget at my website: http://www.MeetRickCrawford.com/issues/americas-budget-crisis

Obama says, “worst of the storm is over.” But is it?

by

I think President Obama must live in a bubble.  In North Carolina today speaking about America’s economic conditions, he said the “worst of the storm is over” and pointed to the trillion dollar stimulus program as a huge success.  I’ll restrain myself from writing about how much tax money was wasted on so-called stimulus efforts.  Instead, I would like to discuss the real “storm” that the President apparently cannot see.

We know that our nation is on the hook for $56.5 trillion.  We know that hole is getting deeper each year by roughly $3 trillion—on autopilot.  But with these enormous liabilities on our books, Congress had the foresight to create a new entitlement program to provide taxpayer-funded health insurance for an additional 32 million people.

Was this a time to expand government and add trillions in additional liabilities to our nation’s books?  Of course not.  What will be the effect of such actions?  The mother of all economic storms, Mr. President.

Unfortunately, President Obama and Congress’ refusal to govern responsibly is only making matters worse.  They continue to expand government, push for more wasteful spending, and grow the long-term debt of our nation.  If we are to take corrective action as a nation, we need a more informed electorate.  Please join me in disseminating the truth about our country’s financial condition.  If people start to believe that the “worst of the storm is over,” then the professional politicians will be empowered to continue their spending binge at the expense of our children and grandchildren.

I encourage you to share my policy paper on the budget with others.