Rick Larsen

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Rick Larsen
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 2nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office  January 3, 2001
Preceded by	Jack Metcalf
Born	June 15, 1965 (1965-06-15) (age 42) Arlington, Washington
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Tiia Larsen
Religion	Methodist

Richard Ray "Rick" Larsen (born June 15, 1965), American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the Washington's 2nd congressional district.

Born in Arlington, Washington, he 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 a Snohomish County Councilman and as chair of the Snohomish County Council.

In 2006, CQPolitics described him:

Larsen, a member of the centrist New Democrat Coalition in the House, has carved an image as a moderate 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 liberal voters, mainly in the district’s population centers surrounding the port cities of Everett and Bellingham.

Given the importance of defense- and aviation-oriented jobs in the 2nd District, Larsen’s seats on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are politically advantageous. [1]

Rick Larsen has repeatedly cosponsored legislation that would create the Wild Sky Wilderness area in his home district[2] and is a member of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus.

[edit] Congressional career

Rick Larsen was elected to the House of Representatives in 2000, and sits on the Armed Services Committee, Transportation Committee, and the Agriculture Committee. He was re-elected in 2002, 2004, and 2006.

Prior to his election to Congress, Larson served a four year term on the Snohomish County Council (1995–1999).

[edit] 2006 Election Campaign

In 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%.

In 2006, Larsen also managed a suave performance on Stephen Colbert's segment "Better Know a District" that political pundits are still talking about.

[edit] See also

• Washington United States House elections, 2006

[edit] Electoral history

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Congressman Rick Larsen official U.S. House site
• Rick Larsen for U.S. Congress official campaign site

• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Voting record maintained by The Washington Post
• Campaign finance reports and data at the Federal Election Commission
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
• Biography, voting record, and interest group ratings at Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions and quotes at On The Issues
• Profile at SourceWatch Congresspedia
• Eyeing races for control of U.S. House Joel Connelly, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, December 12, 2005.
• Constituent Letter to Larsen Published in Bellingham Herald. (Sep, 2007)