Mike Simpson
Encyclopedia
Michael Keith "Mike" Simpson, D.M.D. (born September 8, 1950), is the member of the U.S. House of Representatives
representing , serving since 1999. He is a member of the Republican Party
. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives
.
in Logan, Utah
, and the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri
. Simpson practiced dentistry in Blackfoot, Idaho
, before entering the U.S. House. While other members of Congress who come from a medical background prefer to be referred to as "Doctor" while serving in Congress (most notably former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
), Simpson does not insist that he be referred to as Dr. Simpson, preferring to simply go by Congressman or Mr. Simpson.
Simpson was elected to the Blackfoot City Council in 1980. In 1984 he was elected to the first of seven terms in the Idaho State House of Representatives. Simpson served as Speaker
of the Idaho State House of Representatives from 1993 until his election to the U.S. Congress.
In the 111th Congress Simpson became the Ranking Member
on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. With this position he is now considered a "Cardinal" (a term applied to the chairmen or ranking member
s of the Appropriations Subcommittees) within the House Republican Caucus. He also serves as the small state representative on the 33-member House Republican Steering Committee. Known as the "committee of committees", the Steering Committee decides which Republican lawmakers become ranking members on House committees. Simpson replaced Congressman Don Young
(R-AK) on the committee.
as an individual right). As of Recent, he voted yes and helped to pass the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011". Under this new law, which passed through the House Of Representatives
on November 16, 2011, people are allowed, with a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in other states, as long as those states allow concealed weapons and don't have specific rules about concealed weapons carried by nonresidents. He has been a life time advocate for gun control
, for his track record will help show it. In 1999, Mike Simpson helped veto an amendment on a bill that would require the background checks to 72 hours, then adopted an amendment that reduces the time allotted for background checks to 24 hours on the same bill.
(SCHIP) in the 110th Congress. Simpson has also been a supporter of the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, voting each year against Republican amendments to strip them of funding. Furthermore, he has been vocal in his opposition to many House Republicans' position on "earmarks
", or congressionally directed spending. While this position has put him at odds with certain factions within the Republican Party, Simpson maintains that it is unwise for the Legislative Branch to relinquish its constitutional control of the budget to the President
and the federal bureaucracy.
has been the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA), which has created a bill would create 312,000 acres of substandard wilderness, it also designate over 500,000 acres of immediately adjacent land in which motorized access would be given special priority over other uses. The financing of the bill was about 13 million in 2007, less than one dollar per person to make several changes to the status of some of the federal land in the state of Idaho. It was to then be followed up by 18 million in the 2008-2011 period. This bill
has been see as a wilderness bill without true wilderness values, the bill's focus was to promote the economic development and recreational use of National Forest land and other public lands in central Idaho. On Feb 7, 2007 the bill was moved to a subcommittee where it has been since.
.
(R-GA) in February, 2007, Simpson has become a leading advocate of the American Dental Association
("ADA") in Congress, in part because his profession is dentistry. The advocacy inspired Simpson to introduce legislation regarding methamphetamine
, specifically how the drug affects tooth decay or "methmouth". The bill is formally called H.R. 1671: Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act, with the purpose to understand and address the oral health problems associated with methamphetamine
. The bill's goals are to expand and intensify the Department of Health and Human Services, make grants available to educate 12 to 17 year-olds about methmouth, and to promote a series of education activities for all dentists to learn about substance use disorders and their relationship to oral health and the provision of dental care.As of March 24, 2009, the bill was put from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to the Subcommittee on Health where it has been debated, but never brought to a conclusion. As soon as that happens, it will be brought up before the whole committee, then later the the House of Representatives
, extolling its virtues as an environmentally friendly source of energy with minimal carbon output. Simpson's support for this form of energy plays a significant role in his membership of the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
, which oversees the Idaho National Laboratory
, a main site for nuclear and alternative energy
research in the United States.
producers, and the Idaho potato growers. In 2010, Simpson took up the cause, alongside his former Democratic colleague, Walt Minnick
, the lead sponsor of the bill, to secure a third federal judge for Idaho. Simpson was quoted as saying, "The caseload of the Idaho District Court has increased significantly in recent decades resulting in Idaho’s district judges carrying a disproportionate share of cases in relation to their colleagues in other states."
Simpson has become increasing opposed to President Obama and the Congressional Democrats' policy agenda. Simpson has recently announced his commitment to repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
, questioning its constitutionality and effectiveness.
: "Politics is not about ideological purity or moral self-righteousness. It is about governing, and if a politician cannot compromise he cannot govern effectively." This quote is framed and hangs in Simpson's Washington D.C. office.
Simpson has been credited as having a key role in the election of John Boehner
(R-OH) to the position of House Majority Leader in the 109th United States Congress
.
While the Republican Party held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, Simpson often served as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, particularly during debates concerning controversial legislation, due to his command of House procedure. Simpson is known to have broken several sounding boards with the gavel while calling the House to order. This inspired Simpson to have a number of sounding boards produced in Idaho, which he presented to then Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert
(R-IL) as a joke.
, who was running for United States Senate
. He defeated former Democratic
Congressman Richard H. Stallings
in the general election. Simpson did not face serious opposition in 2002 and 2004. In 2006 Simpson defeated former Democratic state representative Jim D. Hansen
, son of former Republican Congressman Orval H. Hansen
, to win reelection.
. The final result was 204,465 for Simpson and 83,340 for Holmes, giving Simpson 71% of the vote. Esquire magazine endorsed Simpson for Idaho's Second Congressional District in the 2008 elections, but endorsed Democrat Walt Minnick
for Idaho's First Congressional District.
During the 2008 Presidential primaries, Simpson was an early supporter of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
and a member of his Congressional Whip Team.
In the Republican primary, Simpson defeated Chick Heileson of Iona and Russ Mathews of Idaho Falls. Each touted himself as a more conservative alternative. Simpson won re-election.
(R-ID), Simpson was openly considered for an appointment to the U.S. Senate in the event that Senator Craig resigned. Simpson however, asked Governor C.L. "Butch Otter" to remove his name from consideration, claiming that the Idaho Congressional Delegation would be in a better position if he were to remain in the House and retain his seniority on the House Appropriations Committee
.
Simpson rankled Senate leadership during the Craig scandal by criticizing them for their treatment of the Senator. Simpson is quoted as saying, "If that’s how they treat their own, that tells me they’re more interested in party than individuals, and the party is made up of individuals. How you treat them says a lot about your party." Simpson is not known to have condoned the alleged misconduct of Craig, but rather demanded that he be treated fairly. For example, he is quoted as saying, "They have people over there [in the Senate Republican Conference] in far worse trouble that they haven’t said a thing about."
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
representing , serving since 1999. He is a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives
Idaho House of Representatives
The Idaho House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Idaho State Legislature. It consists of 70 representatives elected to two-year terms and meets at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, Idaho.-Composition of the House:...
.
Early life, education and career
Simpson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was educated at Utah State UniversityUtah State University
Utah State University is a public university located in Logan, Utah. It is a land-grant and space-grant institution and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities....
in Logan, Utah
Logan, Utah
-Layout of the City:Logan's city grid originates from its Main and Center Street block, with Main Street running north and south, and Center east and west. Each block north, east, south, or west of the origin accumulates in additions of 100 , though some streets have non-numeric names...
, and the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. Simpson practiced dentistry in Blackfoot, Idaho
Blackfoot, Idaho
Blackfoot is a city in Bingham County, Idaho, United States. The population was 10,419 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Bingham County. Blackfoot is self-designated the "Potato Capital of the World", because it claims to have the largest potato industry in the world...
, before entering the U.S. House. While other members of Congress who come from a medical background prefer to be referred to as "Doctor" while serving in Congress (most notably former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist
Bill Frist
William Harrison "Bill" Frist, Sr. is an American physician, businessman, and politician. He began his career as an heir and major stockholder to the for-profit hospital chain of Hospital Corporation of America. Frist later served two terms as a Republican United States Senator representing...
), Simpson does not insist that he be referred to as Dr. Simpson, preferring to simply go by Congressman or Mr. Simpson.
Simpson was elected to the Blackfoot City Council in 1980. In 1984 he was elected to the first of seven terms in the Idaho State House of Representatives. Simpson served as Speaker
Speaker (politics)
The term speaker is a title often given to the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body. The speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The speaker decides who may speak and has the...
of the Idaho State House of Representatives from 1993 until his election to the U.S. Congress.
Committee assignments
- Committee on AppropriationsUnited States House Committee on AppropriationsThe Committee on Appropriations is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. It is in charge of setting the specific expenditures of money by the government of the United States...
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water DevelopmentUnited States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water DevelopmentThe House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies is a standing subcommittee within the House Appropriations Committee.-Members, 112th Congress:-External links:* Official page...
- Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related AgenciesUnited States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related AgenciesThe House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies is a standing subcommittee within the House Appropriations Committee.-Members, 112th Congress:-External links:**...
(Chairman) - Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
- Committee on the BudgetUnited States House Committee on the BudgetThe U.S. House Committee on the Budget, commonly known as the House Budget Committee, is a standing committee of the United States House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress...
Caucus membership
- House Potato Caucus - Co-Chair
- House Sugar Caucus - Co-Chair
- Oral Health Caucus - Co-Chair
- Congressional TRIO Caucus - Co-Chair
- Western Caucus
- Nuclear Cleanup Caucus
- House Bio-fuels Caucus
- Congressional Sportsmen Caucus
- Mining Caucus
- Immigration Reform Caucus
- Congressional Arts Congress
- Renewable Energy Caucus
- Congressional Native American Caucus
- House Rural Health Coalition
- Caucus to Fight and Control Meth
- 2nd Amendment Caucus
- Congressional Taiwan Caucus
In the 111th Congress Simpson became the Ranking Member
Ranking member
In United States politics, a ranking member is the second-most senior member of a congressional or state legislative committee from the majority party. Another usage refers to the most senior member of a congressional or state legislative committee from the minority party. This second usage, often...
on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. With this position he is now considered a "Cardinal" (a term applied to the chairmen or ranking member
Ranking member
In United States politics, a ranking member is the second-most senior member of a congressional or state legislative committee from the majority party. Another usage refers to the most senior member of a congressional or state legislative committee from the minority party. This second usage, often...
s of the Appropriations Subcommittees) within the House Republican Caucus. He also serves as the small state representative on the 33-member House Republican Steering Committee. Known as the "committee of committees", the Steering Committee decides which Republican lawmakers become ranking members on House committees. Simpson replaced Congressman Don Young
Don Young
Donald Edwin "Don" Young is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1973. He is a member of the Republican Party.Young is the 6th most senior U.S. Representative and the 2nd most senior Republican Representative, as well as the 2nd most senior Republican in Congress as a whole...
(R-AK) on the committee.
Political positions
Simpson is a conservative member of the Republican Party. He works activity on all legislation, some of the most prominent pieces he has advocated for are the following:Gun Control
Simpson was one of the Members of Congress to sign the D.C. v. Heller amicus brief which supported a recognition of the Second AmendmentSecond Amendment to the United States Constitution
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is the part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, along with the rest of the Bill of Rights.In 2008 and 2010, the Supreme Court issued two Second...
as an individual right). As of Recent, he voted yes and helped to pass the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011". Under this new law, which passed through the House Of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national states. In some countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often called a "senate". In other countries, the House of...
on November 16, 2011, people are allowed, with a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in other states, as long as those states allow concealed weapons and don't have specific rules about concealed weapons carried by nonresidents. He has been a life time advocate for gun control
Gun control
Gun control is any law, policy, practice, or proposal designed to restrict or limit the possession, production, importation, shipment, sale, and/or use of guns or other firearms by private citizens...
, for his track record will help show it. In 1999, Mike Simpson helped veto an amendment on a bill that would require the background checks to 72 hours, then adopted an amendment that reduces the time allotted for background checks to 24 hours on the same bill.
Business
Simpson also supports an agenda of low taxes and pro-business policies. However, he is known to be pragmatic on many issues. For example, he was one of a handful of Republicans to vote in favor of the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance ProgramState Children's Health Insurance Program
The State Children's Health Insurance Program – later known more simply as the Children's Health Insurance Program – is a program administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides matching funds to states for health insurance to families with children...
(SCHIP) in the 110th Congress. Simpson has also been a supporter of the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, voting each year against Republican amendments to strip them of funding. Furthermore, he has been vocal in his opposition to many House Republicans' position on "earmarks
Earmark (politics)
In United States politics, an earmark is a legislative provision that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects, or that directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees...
", or congressionally directed spending. While this position has put him at odds with certain factions within the Republican Party, Simpson maintains that it is unwise for the Legislative Branch to relinquish its constitutional control of the budget to the President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
and the federal bureaucracy.
Environment
Simpson's hallmark legislation in the House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national states. In some countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often called a "senate". In other countries, the House of...
has been the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA), which has created a bill would create 312,000 acres of substandard wilderness, it also designate over 500,000 acres of immediately adjacent land in which motorized access would be given special priority over other uses. The financing of the bill was about 13 million in 2007, less than one dollar per person to make several changes to the status of some of the federal land in the state of Idaho. It was to then be followed up by 18 million in the 2008-2011 period. This bill
Bill
- Documents :* Banknote, paper money* Handbill, paper leaflet* Poster, form of advertising* Billboard, large board on which to display advertising posters or displays* Bill , document requesting payment for goods or services rendered...
has been see as a wilderness bill without true wilderness values, the bill's focus was to promote the economic development and recreational use of National Forest land and other public lands in central Idaho. On Feb 7, 2007 the bill was moved to a subcommittee where it has been since.
Judgeship Reorganization
He also has been crucial with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act. Mike Simpson's goal is to amend title 28, and create the appointment of additional Federal Circuit Judges, to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into two smaller judicial circuits. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act was introduced to House Judiciary Committee, and more specifically to the subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy. Since Jan 24, 2011, the bill has been in the subcommittee, where it will be refined before being presented by to the Judiciary Committee, then later the the actual House of RepresentativesHouse of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national states. In some countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often called a "senate". In other countries, the House of...
.
Heath
Following the death of Congressman Charlie NorwoodCharlie Norwood
Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr., D.D.S. was an American politician and dentist, serving as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 until his death...
(R-GA) in February, 2007, Simpson has become a leading advocate of the American Dental Association
American Dental Association
The American Dental Association is an American professional association established in 1859 which has more than 155,000 members. Based in Chicago, the ADA is the world's largest and oldest national dental association and promotes good oral health to the public while representing the dental...
("ADA") in Congress, in part because his profession is dentistry. The advocacy inspired Simpson to introduce legislation regarding methamphetamine
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs...
, specifically how the drug affects tooth decay or "methmouth". The bill is formally called H.R. 1671: Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act, with the purpose to understand and address the oral health problems associated with methamphetamine
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs...
. The bill's goals are to expand and intensify the Department of Health and Human Services, make grants available to educate 12 to 17 year-olds about methmouth, and to promote a series of education activities for all dentists to learn about substance use disorders and their relationship to oral health and the provision of dental care.As of March 24, 2009, the bill was put from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to the Subcommittee on Health where it has been debated, but never brought to a conclusion. As soon as that happens, it will be brought up before the whole committee, then later the the House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national states. In some countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often called a "senate". In other countries, the House of...
Energy
Simpson is also known as an outspoken proponent of nuclear powerNuclear power
Nuclear power is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity. Nuclear power plants provide about 6% of the world's energy and 13–14% of the world's electricity, with the U.S., France, and Japan together accounting for about 50% of nuclear generated electricity...
, extolling its virtues as an environmentally friendly source of energy with minimal carbon output. Simpson's support for this form of energy plays a significant role in his membership of the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
The House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies is a standing subcommittee within the House Appropriations Committee.-Members, 112th Congress:-External links:* Official page...
, which oversees the Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory is an complex located in the high desert of eastern Idaho, between the town of Arco to the west and the cities of Idaho Falls and Blackfoot to the east. It lies within Butte, Bingham, Bonneville and Jefferson counties...
, a main site for nuclear and alternative energy
Alternative energy
Alternative energy is an umbrella term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fuel sources without the undesired consequences of the replaced fuels....
research in the United States.
Other
Simpson is a strong supporter of the domestic sugar beetSugar beet
Sugar beet, a cultivated plant of Beta vulgaris, is a plant whose tuber contains a high concentration of sucrose. It is grown commercially for sugar production. Sugar beets and other B...
producers, and the Idaho potato growers. In 2010, Simpson took up the cause, alongside his former Democratic colleague, Walt Minnick
Walt Minnick
Walter Clifford "Walt" Minnick is the former U.S. House of Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
, the lead sponsor of the bill, to secure a third federal judge for Idaho. Simpson was quoted as saying, "The caseload of the Idaho District Court has increased significantly in recent decades resulting in Idaho’s district judges carrying a disproportionate share of cases in relation to their colleagues in other states."
Simpson has become increasing opposed to President Obama and the Congressional Democrats' policy agenda. Simpson has recently announced his commitment to repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
, questioning its constitutionality and effectiveness.
Public Recognition
Esquire magazine listed Simpson as one of the 10 Best Members of Congress in October 2008. The magazine said of Simpson, "More than any other representative, Simpson lives by the philosophy that democratic representation is a matter of finding not advantageous positions but common ground..." The magazine's portrayal of Simpson echoes one of his personal philosophies, which is embodied in a quote by Henry ClayHenry Clay
Henry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives...
: "Politics is not about ideological purity or moral self-righteousness. It is about governing, and if a politician cannot compromise he cannot govern effectively." This quote is framed and hangs in Simpson's Washington D.C. office.
Simpson has been credited as having a key role in the election of John Boehner
John Boehner
John Andrew Boehner is the 61st and current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party, he is the U.S. Representative from , serving since 1991...
(R-OH) to the position of House Majority Leader in the 109th United States Congress
109th United States Congress
The One Hundred Ninth United States Congress was the legislative branch of the United States, composed of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, from January 3, 2005 to January 3, 2007, during the fifth and sixth years of George W. Bush's presidency. House members...
.
While the Republican Party held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, Simpson often served as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, particularly during debates concerning controversial legislation, due to his command of House procedure. Simpson is known to have broken several sounding boards with the gavel while calling the House to order. This inspired Simpson to have a number of sounding boards produced in Idaho, which he presented to then Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert
Dennis Hastert
John Dennis "Denny" Hastert was the 59th Speaker of the House serving from 1999 to 2007. He represented as a Republican for twenty years, 1987 to 2007.He is the longest-serving Republican Speaker in history...
(R-IL) as a joke.
Political campaigns
Simpson entered the 1998 campaign for the U.S. House seat vacated by Mike CrapoMike Crapo
Michael Dean "Mike" Crapo is the senior United States Senator from the state of Idaho and a member of the Republican Party.Born in the city of Idaho Falls, Crapo is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Harvard Law School. He practiced law in his home city throughout the 1980s, while...
, who was running for United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
. He defeated former Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
Congressman Richard H. Stallings
Richard H. Stallings
Richard Howard Stallings represented the Idaho Second District in the House of Representatives from 1985 to 1993. Stallings also served in several other state and local political offices over the course of a 22-year political career.Stallings earned degrees from Weber State College, Utah State...
in the general election. Simpson did not face serious opposition in 2002 and 2004. In 2006 Simpson defeated former Democratic state representative Jim D. Hansen
Jim D. Hansen
Jim D. Hansen is an American attorney, activist and Democratic politician from Idaho. He was the 2006 Democratic nominee for United States House of Representatives in the Idaho Second Congressional District, and was defeated by incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Simpson.In April 2008 Hansen was...
, son of former Republican Congressman Orval H. Hansen
Orval H. Hansen
Orval Howard Hansen was a United States Representative from Idaho. Hansen served as a Republican in the House from 1969 to 1975, representing the state's Second Congressional District....
, to win reelection.
2008
Simpson was reelected to a sixth term in 2008, defeating Democrat Debbie HolmesDebbie Holmes
Deborah "Debbie" Holmes is a Democratic politician from Idaho. She was the 2008 Democratic nominee for United States House of Representatives in the Idaho Second Congressional District, and faced incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Simpson in the general election.Holmes is a trained chemist and...
. The final result was 204,465 for Simpson and 83,340 for Holmes, giving Simpson 71% of the vote. Esquire magazine endorsed Simpson for Idaho's Second Congressional District in the 2008 elections, but endorsed Democrat Walt Minnick
Walt Minnick
Walter Clifford "Walt" Minnick is the former U.S. House of Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
for Idaho's First Congressional District.
During the 2008 Presidential primaries, Simpson was an early supporter of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney
Willard Mitt Romney is an American businessman and politician. He was the 70th Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and is a candidate for the 2012 Republican Party presidential nomination.The son of George W...
and a member of his Congressional Whip Team.
2010
Simpson was challenged by Democratic nominee Mike Crawford and Independent candidate Brian Schad.In the Republican primary, Simpson defeated Chick Heileson of Iona and Russ Mathews of Idaho Falls. Each touted himself as a more conservative alternative. Simpson won re-election.
Larry Craig Scandal
During the 2007 scandal involving Senator Larry CraigLarry Craig
Larry Edwin Craig is a former Republican politician from the U.S. state of Idaho. He served 18 years in the U.S. Senate , preceded by 10 years in the U.S. House, representing Idaho's first district . His 28 years in the Congress rank as the second-longest in Idaho history, trailing only William...
(R-ID), Simpson was openly considered for an appointment to the U.S. Senate in the event that Senator Craig resigned. Simpson however, asked Governor C.L. "Butch Otter" to remove his name from consideration, claiming that the Idaho Congressional Delegation would be in a better position if he were to remain in the House and retain his seniority on the House Appropriations Committee
Appropriations Committee
In the United States government, the Appropriations Committee can refer to either:* the United States House Committee on Appropriations* the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations...
.
Simpson rankled Senate leadership during the Craig scandal by criticizing them for their treatment of the Senator. Simpson is quoted as saying, "If that’s how they treat their own, that tells me they’re more interested in party than individuals, and the party is made up of individuals. How you treat them says a lot about your party." Simpson is not known to have condoned the alleged misconduct of Craig, but rather demanded that he be treated fairly. For example, he is quoted as saying, "They have people over there [in the Senate Republican Conference] in far worse trouble that they haven’t said a thing about."
External links
- U.S. Representative Mike Simpson official U.S. House site
- Profile at SourceWatchSourceWatchSourceWatch is an internet wiki site that is a collaborative project of the liberal Center for Media and Democracy...