Office and district sought: Third Congressional district of Colorado
Name: John T. Salazar
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: www.house.gov/salazar or www.salazar2006.com
E-mail: none listed
Age: 53
Last degree earned: Bachelor of science, business, Adams State College
Occupation: Farmer; rancher; small business owner.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and hiking
Family: Mother, Emma; wife, Mary Lou; three sons, Jesus, Esteban and Miguel
How long have you lived in Colorado? Where did you live before? Native of Manassa, where the family has farmed for five generations.
Last book read: “Running on Empty,” by Peter G. Peterson, on how both political parties are bankrupting America.
Civic Involvement: Colorado State Ag Commission; Board Director, Rio Grande Water Conservation District; Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley; Saint Joseph’s Parish’s Youth Group; Board of Directors, Farm Credit Union of Southern Colorado
Major endorsements: I have been endorsed by the Blue Dog Coalition, the most fiscally conservative group in Congress. And as the only veteran from the Colorado delegation and a Member of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee, I was named Legislator of the year by the Colorado State Veterans’ Board.
Why are you running? In my first term in Congress, I have kept my promise of putting partisanship aside to do what is best for the people of rural Colorado. In this next term, I will continue to use the rural values of hard work and integrity to put rural communities first.
What are the top three challenges facing Colorado or the institution you seek to represent?
We need to increase economic development in rural Colorado; keep our promises to our veterans and mandate funding for veteran’s health care; and strengthen Social Security, not risking our seniors’ retirement on risky privatization schemes.
What steps, if any, do you think the federal government needs to take to address the problem of illegal immigration? We clearly need comprehensive immigration reform, which is made up of three things:
1. Securing our borders – which is why I voted for the Border Security and Antiterrorism Act of 2006.
2. A tamper proof ID system – I voted for the REAL ID Act.
3. A legal workforce for our farmers, ranchers and industries.
Do you support the continued involvement of American troops in Iraq? As a Member of Congress, I have twice visited with Colorado troops serving in Iraq. It is clear they have made progress in establishing a democratic state. Our troops are essential from maintaining security in the region. Our mission must now be to increase the training of Iraq police and troops so the Iraqi people can take control of their own destinies.
