Rick Crawford for Congress

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

Crawford Files for Re-election

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Congressman Rick Crawford issued the following statement after filing for re-election on Monday:

“I want to thank my wife Stacy and all of my supporters for your support. Today I filed for re-election to the United States House of Representatives so that we can continue to fight for responsible budgeting in Washington. As you all know, that starts with passing permanent spending controls that will prevent Congress from making our nation’s already-excessive debt burden worse. Both parties have played a role and it’s time to implement permanent reform that will keep well-meaning politicians, often trying to be all things to all people, from spending our country into oblivion.”

Rick Crawford Statement on Filing for Reelection

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Rick Crawford issued the following statement regarding filing for reelection:

I have been honored to represent the values of Arkansas’ First District
residents in the past year by voting for 28 job-creating bills, the balanced
budget amendment, and repeal of the president’s massive new healthcare
entitlement program. I am eager to use the experience I have gained over
the past year to push both political parties to put an end to the era of
trillion-dollar annual deficits, which are going to destroy our economy if
not addressed quickly.

Rick Crawford Blasts House Congressional Leaders for Intimidation Tactics

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Rick Crawford today called on Speaker Pelosi and other Congressional Democrats to cease employing abusive intimidation tactics against American companies that are required by law to report adverse financial conditions to pension funds, mutual funds, individual stockholders, and other investors that own company shares.

“At Speaker Pelosi’s direction, House Democratic committee chairmen are lining up public interrogation sessions for some of our nation’s leading job creators, including John Deere, Caterpillar, AT&T, and Verizon Communications,” said Crawford.  “Instead of attacking the great American companies who provide tens of thousands of jobs, Congress should be taking a hard look at the true costs of the new healthcare entitlement program.”

Friday House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman and Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak wrote to the heads of John Deere, Caterpillar, AT&T, and Verizon Communications requesting that the companies testify in sworn statements before Congress.  The letters request specific information about accounting methods, emails among senior company officials, and comes with the implicit threat that subpoenas would be issued for companies that refuse to comply with the Congressional request.  The information is due by April 9, 2010, and the hearings are set for April 21, 2010.

Waxman’s call for hearings came after Speaker Pelosi told Democrats to go on the “offensive” in defending and calming public doubts about the new entitlement program.

“This liberal Congress seems to be friendlier toward prisoners at Guantanamo than American job creators,” concluded Crawford.  “Especially during an once-in-a-lifetime economic recession, we should be seeking to work with businesses, not trying to cripple and intimidate them.  I believe that we would have been much better served if Congrress would have focused on creating jobs and addressing the national fiscal crisis rather than spending money we do not have on a new entitlement program for 32 million people that will only put government between us and our doctors.”

Crawford Chides State Democratic Party for Lurching to Change Subject from Healthcare

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Rick Crawford today called Gabe Holmstrom’s PR stunt a blatant attempt to divert attention away from President Obama’s creation of a massive new entitlement program.  “Gabe is an incredibly clever political operative,” said Crawford.  “Changing the subject is something our politicians and their spinsters have been doing for far too long.  Instead of talking about the fact that every man, woman, and child in America each owes $184,000 as their share of the unfunded promises our politicians have made, Mr. Holmstrom wants to talk about the President’s birth certificate.”

“The sad fact is that Congressman Berry, who voted for and against this massive new entitlement program, wants to avoid addressing the long-term financial problem facing our country,” continued Crawford.  “While he talks about balancing the budget back home, he has enabled Speaker Pelosi and President Obama to push through a massive new entitlement program that will use taxpayer money to pay health insurance premiums for 32 million Americans.  We need elected officials who will stand up and say, ‘STOP!  Stop digging the hole deeper.’  We need an elected official who will stand up to say our government will not expand or create any new government programs until we restore fiscal soundness.  If we do not do this, our children and grandchildren will pay taxes that are double or triple what we pay today…and that is the best-case scenario.”

Members of Arkansas Delegation Complicit in Nationalized Healthcare

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Congressmen Berry, Ross and Snyder, who all refused to support a measure to block the House of Representatives from “deeming” the Senate healthcare bill as passed, are guaranteeing passage of the healthcare bill this year.  “Even though Congressmen Berry and Ross have pledged to vote against the healthcare bill unless it has substantial changes, their refusal to block the “deeming” process will ensure its passage this year,” said Rick Crawford, candidate for the First Congressional District.

While the House will amend the Senate bill once it has been “deemed” to pass, which would require additional Senate action on the bill, if either effort fails, the President will still be able to sign the Senate bill.  In order for a bill to become law, it must pass each chamber in identical form.  Once the House “deems” the Senate bill as passed, it can be sent to President Obama for his signature.

“President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid have really pulled a quick one over on the American people,” said Crawford.  “The media has yet to pick up on the fact that Pelosi’s move to deem the Senate bill as passed will mean that the Senate bill, in its current form, can immediately become law.  I call upon all candidates in the First Congressional District to condemn this move immediately and demand that Congressman Berry offer a privileged resolution calling on the House to take an “up or down” vote on the Senate bill instead of deeming it as passed without a vote.”

“Republicans and Democrats alike throughout Eastern Arkansas are appalled when I tell them about the games these folks are playing,” continued Crawford.  “Every man, woman and child in American currently owes $184,000 each to cover all of the unfunded promises our government has made.  Now is not the time to add a new massive government entitlement program.”

Crawford Speaks Out Against “Deem and Pass”

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The latest tatics considered by Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies in the U.S. House of Representatives represent a “departure from the Constitution,” according to First District Congressional Candidate, Rick Crawford.

On a day where a Fox News poll shows only 35% of Americans favor the health care reform bill, Pelosi is attempting to use a tactic dubbed “deem and pass” to push through the Senate’s health care reform bill, without having members of Congress actually vote on the bill. FoxNews.com reports this plan is being considered because, “…many House Democrats don’t want to cast a vote in favor of the unaltered Senate bill, which they oppose for numerous reasons.”

“This represents a departure from the Constitution,” said First Congressional District Candidate, Rick Crawford, referencing Article I, Section 7 of the Constution that states for a “Bill” to “become a Law,” it “shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate.” Crawford adds, “Pelosi knows that Americans don’t want this convaluted bill passed and she is attempting to bypass what the nation wants and the Constution purely for political reasons.”

“It is exactly why the first votes I cast when I get to Washington, D.C. will be against Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House and to repeal any socialized health care plan,” Crawford added.

Crawford has publically signed The Club For Growth’s “Repeal It!” pledge, a promise stating that, should the socialized health care reform bill pass, the person will fight to repeal it once elected. Over 10,000 citizens have signed to support only candidates that have made this pledge.

“The fact that the liberals in Congress are considering bypassing the Constitution to pass such a huge reform bill should remind every Arkansan in the First District why we must elect a true conservative to put the Washington Democrats in check,” said Crawford.

Prominent Baxter County Elected Official Endorses Crawford

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First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford announced today the endorsement of another prominent Republican leader in the First Congressional District.

Nelda SpeaksBaxter County Treasurer Nelda Speaks announced her endorsement for Crawford today. Holding the position of treasurer since 1996, Speaks has proven herself to be keenly in tune with Baxter County residents for over a decade. Speaks was the first Republican woman elected to the office of County Treasurer and has since run unopposed during her tenure further exemplifying the respect she has garnered from voters all across Baxter County.

“I believe that Rick Crawford is the right choice for the people of Baxter County and the First District,” said Speaks. “Rick is a strong conservative who wants to reclaim the virtues in our Constitution and start using them again in Washington. Rick is a small business owner, understands the importance of Agriculture, and has served honorably in our nation’s military. I could not be more honored to support his campaign to be the next Congressman of the First Congressional District.”

“Nelda’s endorsement means a lot to me,” commented Crawford. “She is a leader and well-respected elected official in Baxter County who has devoted much of her life to public service. Especially considering the economic turmoil the country is in, having the support of someone with so much expertise in business and administration is very important.”

Nelda is a five (5) generation native of Baxter County and these deep roots are one of the many reasons she has such a concern for Baxter County and the First Congressional District. “Having the privilege of serving the people of Baxter County has been one of my greatest honors and I deeply appreciate the confidence they have given me.”

On top of her elected service, Speaks previously owned and operated a private business, Nelda’s Boutique in Mountain Home. She also was previously district treasurer for Norfork schools, treasurer for the General Federation of Women’s Cameo Club in Mountain Home and was even named woman of the year in 1991-92 by the club.

In addition to these accolades, Speaks has had extensive involvement over the years with a variety of groups, from the Twin Lakes Republican Women to the Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Grants Advisory Board.

Nelda Speaks joins a long list of prominent Arkansas leaders that have endorsed Rick Crawford, including Mike Huckabee, Asa Hutchinson and Ed Bethune.

Crawford wins First District in GOP straw poll

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First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford is pleased to announce a victory in a key state poll of Republican candidates.

Arkansas Federation of College RepublicansThe Arkansas Federation of College Republicans held its 2010 straw poll in Little Rock this weekend, allowing future state and national leaders to voice their view of who will be the most trusted voices in both state and federal races.  Students heard speeches from candidates in attendance and voted on each race once the speeches concluded.

Rick Crawford won the straw poll for the First Congressional District over his opponent Princella Smith. “I am honored that the delegates to the Arkansas Federation of College Republicans would vote for my campaign of traditional American values.  These future leaders in Arkansas and Washington understand the critical issues facing our nation and to have their vote is a vote of confidence for my campaign,” said Crawford.

See all of the results here (external link).

The Arkansas Federation of College Republicans held its yearly convention in Little Rock over the weekend.  Student leaders from all across the state attended the straw poll with students representing Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas, and several others.

The AFCR is dedicated to conservative principles and electing Republicans across the state of Arkansas.  Their Facebook page lists one of their primary goals as making the Republican Party competitive in all 4 districts from Fayetteville to Forrest City.

Crawford Receives Third Key Endorsement of Campaign

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JONESBORO – First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford announced the endorsement today of former D.E.A. Director, D.H.S. head, and three-time United States Congressman Asa Hutchinson.  Hutchinson, who currently resides in northwest Arkansas, is another significant endorsement for the Crawford for Congress Campaign.  

“I am certain that Rick Crawford is the person to represent the first congressional district of Arkansas in the House,” said Hutchinson. “Rick is going to be a common sense legislator who understands the farm economy and values of Eastern Arkansas.  I know Rick will work hard to control federal spending, reduce our national debt and promote job growth that will benefit Eastern Arkansas” said Hutchinson.  “I am honored to wholeheartedly endorse Rick because he knows what it takes to put our country on the right track for our children’s future.”

Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in western Arkansas as a U.S. attorney, Hutchinson went on to serve three terms in the House of Representatives before becoming head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2001.  Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Hutchinson was tapped to be the head of the Border and Transportation Security Directorate, the largest branch of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of Asa Hutchinson,” said Crawford.  “Asa has been a leader in Arkansas during his time as a Congressman and has helped protect our nation as he led both the DEA and DHS.  Asa has been a trusted conservative voice and has fought for Arkansans as he worked to cut taxes, reduce the size of our federal government, and preserve the integrity of our free market economy.”

“This is an unprecedented time in both the state of Arkansas and our country as a whole. Voters are fed up with the elitist decisions being made in the House of Representatives by Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats that have put her into power. Rick represents a core principle by which our nation was founded – that of checks and balances in our government,” discussed Hutchinson.  “Rick has fought for our freedoms while serving in our nation’s military and now will fight for our nation while serving in Congress,” said Hutchinson.

This is the third endorsement this year of an elected official in Arkansas for the Crawford for Congress campaign that includes Governor Mike Huckabee, former Congressman Ed Bethune, and Congressman Asa Hutchinson.

Crawford Recieves Second Key Endorsement for Campaign

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JONESBORO – First District Congressional candidate, United States Army veteran, and agri-business owner Rick Crawford today announced the endorsement of First District Native and former US Congressman to the Second Congressional District Ed Bethune today.  Ed, who currently resides in Maryland, becomes yet another key endorsement in the Crawford for Congress Campaign.  

“Rick Crawford is going to be a leader in Washington who is going to create jobs by preserving our free market system, help Americans invest in their own future by cutting taxes, and voting against any legislation that will nationalize our economy,” said Bethune.  “Because of this, I am supporting Rick’s campaign fully to become the next Congressman of the First District.”

Bethune was elected to the United States House of Representatives, Second District of Arkansas, in 1978; and was reelected in 1980 and 1982.  He was a member of the Committee on the Budget; Committee on Financial Affairs; and, Committee on Small Business.  He was elected President of Republican class of new Members of Congress in 1978 – a class that included Vice President Dick Cheney, and Speaker Newt Gingrich.  Bethune was the Republican nominee for U. S. Senate for Arkansas in 1984.  Ed has also served as the Chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party from 1986-1988.

Ed has also been recognized with various awards and honors including Conservation and Wilderness Awards, Arkansas Wildlife Federation.  He was also awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award of University of Arkansas School of Law as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Chosen in 1978 to be a member of the Chowder and Marching Club, a small Republican leadership group in the House of Representatives.  Still an active member of the club, which includes most Republican leaders in the House and Senate.  Group meets each Wednesday evening that Congress is in session.

“The liberal agenda in Washington that is being forced on the American people by Nancy Pelosi must be stopped.  The first vote that a Democrat will make if they were to be elected will be for Nancy Pelosi.  I know that the first vote Rick will cast will be for a common sense, conservative approach and not for Nancy Pelosi.  Rick is who we need at this critical time in our nation’s history representing us in Washington,” said Bethune.

This is the second significant endorsement this month of an elected official in Arkansas for the Crawford for Congress campaign with Governor Mike Huckabee endorsing the campaign earlier in January.