ENDORSED: WA District 2 John Koster (R) Challenger

ALIPAC Endorsed Candidate for Congress


ALIPAC's 2010 Candidate Survey

Name of Candidate: John Koster

Name of Campaign Committee: Koster for Congress

Mailing Address: PO Box 231, Arlington, WA 98223

Phone Contact Information: 360-926-2235 (office) or 360-631-1894 (Campaign Manager)

Campaign E-mail and website: info@kosterforcongress.com
www.kosterforcongress.com

State and District: Washington State's 2nd Congressional District

Political Party: Republican Party

Is the candidate (Incumbent, Challenger, Open Seat): Challenger

Incumbents only: What is your career grade at
www.betterimmigration.com ?

Campaign Funds Raised as of most recent reporting cycle: $424,380

This form completed by (Candidate and Campaign Managers Only):

Candidate Background Information


John Koster is a third generation Dairyman from Snohomish County. John grew up with humble, yet proud roots. John's parents were guided in life by faith in God, love of country, and love of family. His parents were hard-working and most importantly they had integrity.

John's father worked hard to keep the dairy farm going. At one point, he
had to take a second job as a bus driver just to keep the farm afloat.

There were tough times for John and his family, but because of their hard
work and belief in the American Dream, John and his family succeeded.

John Koster married his wife Vicki in 1971. They have 4 grown children, and 9 grandchildren. The whole family resides in Snohomish County and there is nothing that gives John more pleasure than spending time with his grandchildren.

It is John's love of family that prompted John to run for Congress. John is
concerned that the American Dream that he was able to live will not be
available for future generations. The debt that Congress is running up is
out of control, and we are rapidly destroying the free enterprise system
that made America's economy the most productive in the world.

As a businessman and public servant, John Koster has the right experience to represent us in Congress. John was a three term state representative in Olympia, where he earned a reputation as a fiscal watchdog. During his time in the legislature, John was responsible for organizing the Conservative Caucus where he worked with other legislators to lower taxes and cut spending.

After running for Congress in 2000 and narrowly losing to Rick Larsen, John continued his public service after getting elected to the Snohomish County Council. As a county councilman, John has not only been a leader on the county-level, he has been chosen by his peers to serve on the board of directors of the National and State Associations of Counties.


John Koster is a graduate of Arlington High School and Everett Community College. John is a lifelong resident of Washington's 2nd Congressional District and has been active in the community, serving on the Snohomish Agricultural Advisory Committee. He is a past Board President of Arlington Christian School and attends Arlington First Baptist Church.


Top Campaign Issues:

Top Contrast Issue:

National Debt

Bailouts

Cap and Trade

$800 billion stimulus




http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... l-security
National Security


The primary legitimate function of the Federal government is national security. I believe in a strong military that is well funded and second to none.

Terrorists and terrorism must be dealt with swiftly and severely. It is unacceptable that terrorists be given Miranda rights and tried in civilian courts.

George Washington warned about foreign alliances, interventions and entanglements. That was good advice to safeguard our national security and we should always consider it carefully. A foreign intervention is justified when it legitimately protects our national interests and security.


http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... 0-veterans Veterans


I stand behind our veterans. In 2004, I authored and sponsored the "Support our Troops Week" resolution which called on county employees to voluntarily share accrued vacation leave with reserves called to active duty. I spearheaded efforts to expand the county's veteran's assistance program. Additionally, I sponsored a resolution and led the charge against discrimination in employment of spouses of active military personnel.

Victory in our efforts to combat terrorism will be achieved due to our national resolve put into action by the courageous men and women in the armed forces of the United States.



http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... griculture
Agriculture

The American farmer is fully capable of feeding this nation. Excessive governmental regulation and micro-management threatens this capability. Farmers must be left free to innovate and produce without unnecessary and intrusive regulations.

As a third-generation dairy farmer, I know how the death tax infringes on the ability of farmers to pass on their family businesses to younger generations and has led to complete liquidation of agricultural assets accumulated through lifetimes of hard work just so farm families can pay the IRS. This tax burden undermines American farmers and our ability to feed ourselves. Protecting our farms is critical to our national security.



http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... -bear-arms
Right To Keep and Bear Arms

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to keep and bear arms. Our founders stated in many different ways that an armed citizenry is the best defense against crime and tyranny. I will not support any legislation that seeks to undermine the right to keep and bear arms.




http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... he-economy The Economy


I believe in the free market and free enterprise. Excessive regulation and taxation suppresses the private sector's ability to create wealth. Our economy works best when our citizens are allowed to keep the fruits of their own labor. With lower taxes, businesses have more money to invest and create jobs.

I have been a fiscal hawk in the State Legislature and County Council, opposing bigger government, higher taxes and wasteful spending. Excessive tax rates result in decreased revenue. That's why I have pledged to vote against any new or increased tax, and against increases in the regulatory burden on business.

We must stop handicapping American companies through one-sided international trade agreements that favor foreign companies.


http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... rgy-policy Energy Policy


Our thriving economy requires energy, and plenty of it. This includes oil,
coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric systems. Alternative energy sources like
wind, solar and bio fuels should be encouraged. We should continue to
utilize our abundant and affordable fuel sources until free market
technology and innovation provide realistic and affordable solutions to our
energy needs.

I have grave concerns with the staggering costs of Cap-and-Trade regulations and their potential to cripple our struggling economy.

Reasonable safety regulation for the use and extraction of energy resources is appropriate for the benefit of both the workers and the public. Likewise reasonable environmental regulation is appropriate. But the perfect must not become the enemy of the good, and regulation must not be allowed to stifle or shut down the U.S. economy.

Our dependence on foreign oil is both unnecessary and unwise, and seriously undermines our national security. We need to drill for oil on American lands - and do it now. This will simultaneously defund our enemies and put Americans to work. We have huge oil deposits and the proper technology to extract oil responsibly.


http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... l-spending
Federal Spending

The Obama administration and the "progressives" in Congress have driven the government's debt and deficits beyond imaginable levels. They have broken every rule of sound economic policy. Left unchecked, their policies lead to an imminent fiscal meltdown.

We cannot "stimulate" our economy by spending more than we're taking in. History and common sense both instruct us that we cannot spend our way out of debt. The most recent bailouts and stimulus packages are a failure. We are courting long term economic devastation and potentially enslaving our children and grandchildren to pay the debt.

Our founders warned against a "welfare state" where the government
undertakes to provide for every person from the cradle to grave. I look
forward to opportunities to reduce or eliminate bureaucracy, curtail
government growth and spending, and demand efficiency in spending.


http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... government
Growth of Government

Ronald Reagan said it best when he remarked: "The closest thing to eternity is a government program." In 1960 there were about 100 government agencies. Today, there are well over 1,200. Giving back control and power to the states and local level governments - along with the money - is what I will work for.


http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... ealth-care Health care

Another government program won't fix health care. Only free market policies that increase competition and individual choice will achieve greater efficiency and affordability for all Americans.

A recent poll of Americans shows that 63% are opposed to a federal health care mandate and they strongly oppose any government bureaucracy putting itself between patient and doctor.

I will support addressing the issues of portability, tort reform, pre-existing conditions, tax credits for insurance premiums for individuals, and the expansion of Health Savings Account programs (which currently allow Americans to save a limited amount of pre-tax money for medical expenses). I will fight for free market solutions that increase choice and accessibility.




http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... mmigration
Immigration

We are a nation of immigrants. The debate and problems we have today are not about legal immigration, but illegal immigration. The debate is also a matter of national security. We must secure our borders. We are a nation of laws; therefore, we first need to enforce our existing immigration laws. I will oppose efforts to provide amnesty for illegal aliens.

Second, we need to revamp and reinstitute our "guest worker program" that offers temporary visas for those wishing to come from other countries to work as seasonal workers. Washington's farmers have a need for seasonal agriculture workers. However, any guest worker program should never provide a fraudulent cover for those seeking to flout our immigration laws.


http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... 1-abortion Abortion

My 100% pro-life voting record is a testament to the commitment I have to the culture of life. Our Declaration of Independence states that our unalienable rights include "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and "That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men." Therefore, it is the express job of government to protect all innocent human life.
http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... and-family
Marriage and Family

I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. To undermine the family is to undermine the very cornerstone of our society


Are the issues of illegal immigration and Amnesty addressed on your campaign website? If so, please provide us with a link.
Yes....please visit our website at:
http://www.kosterforcongress.com/index. ... mmigration

Education, Awards & Honors:



John Koster is a graduate of Arlington High School and Everett Community
College. Numerous awards and stellar business ratings over the years.
Last year's 2009 recipient of the "Elected Official of the Year Award" from the Marysville/Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.
Independent Business Association "Gold Medal Award" 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998.
Washington Vocational Association Certificate of Appreciation 1996, 1997, 1998.
Washington Retail Association Certificate of Appreciation 1995, 1996, 1997,1998.
National Federation of Independent Business "Guardian of Small Business" Award


District Information

Please give a brief description of your district:

Percentage of Democrat, Republican, and Unaffiliated Voters: Considered a "swing" district, Washington's 2nd congressional consists of 5 counties in the NW corner of Washington State.

Survey Questions

(Please describe your feelings on the following with a number 1-10 or with
the response Undecided (1=Strongly Disagree, 2-4=Disagree, 5=Neutral, 6-9 Agree, 10=Strongly Agree)

I support Arizona's new immigration law SB 1070? (1-10) 10

As a member of Congress I will use the full power of my office, including impeachment if necessary, to ensure the Executive Branch starts to enforce our existing border and immigration laws? (1-10) 10

Illegal Immigrants should be deported when detected in the interior of the
US? (1-10) 10

I will oppose any form of Amnesty or path to citizenship for illegal immigrants currently in the US because allowing them to become voters would destroy future immigration enforcement efforts? (1-10) 10

I support Comprehensive Immigration ENFORCEMENT which will reverse illegal immigration in America? (1-10) 10

I oppose Obama's Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty. (1-10) 10

I oppose Congressman Luis Gutierrez's Comprehensive Immigration Reform Amnesty bill H.R. 4321? (1-10)
http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-994657.html#994657 10

I would have opposed John McCain and Ted Kennedy's Amnesty bill S. 1033 in 2005? (1-10)
http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1085363.html#1085363 10

I oppose any non-emergency taxpayer benefits for illegal aliens, including
welfare, food stamps, licenses, and in-state tuition subsidies? (1-10) 10

I believe that employers who intentionally hire illegal aliens should be
heavily fined. (1-10) 10

PLEDGE

If elected or re-elected to the US Congress, I will oppose any form of Amnesty or path to citizenship for illegal aliens, including Comprehensive Immigration Reform which would turn millions of illegal immigrants into voters thus destroying future borders of America. I will use the full power of my office, including impeachment if necessary, to insure the Executive Branch secures America's border immediately and begins to adequately enforce the existing immigration and border laws of the United States, which were enacted by Congress at the behest of America's citizenry. I understand that the failure of the Executive Branch to secure our borders and enforce existing immigration laws is depriving all Americans of a Republican form of government and depriving our states of protection from invasion as mandated by the US Constitution. I intend to use the power of Congress to immediately remedy this problem that is costing many Americans their jobs, wages, taxpayer resources, property, security, and sometimes their very lives.

So help me God,

(John Koster)


Larry Stickney, Campaign Manager
KosterforCongress.com
360-926-2235 (office) 360-631-1894 (cell)


ALIPAC Endorsed Candidate for Congress