Rick Crawford (politician)

Eric Alan "Rick" Crawford (born January 22, 1966)[1] is an American politician who has been the U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 1st congressional district since 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. Before he was elected to Congress, Crawford was a radio announcer, businessman, and U.S. Army soldier.

Rick Crawford
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Arkansas's 1st district
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded byMarion Berry
Personal details
Born
Eric Alan Crawford

(1966-01-22) January 22, 1966
Homestead Base, Florida, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Stacy Crawford
Children2
EducationArkansas State University (BS)
WebsiteHouse website
Military service
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1985–1989
Rank Sergeant
Unit56th Ordnance Detachment
Awards

Early life and education

Crawford was born at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, the son of Ruth Anne and Donny J. "Don" Crawford.[2] Crawford grew up in a military family; his father served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Alvirne High School in Hudson, New Hampshire. Crawford enlisted in the United States Army and served as an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 56th Ordnance Detachment at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania.[3] He left the U.S. Army after four years service[4] at the rank of Sergeant. After his service, Crawford attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and graduated in 1996 with a B.S. in Agriculture Business and Economics.

Music Career

After an injury ended his rodeo career, Crawford turned to radio. During that time his also tried his hand at country music. In 1994 under Legacy, Inc. released an album titled Crackin' Out. The album was recorded at Haage Studios in Kirbyville, MO. Crawford dedicated the project to that "dyin' breed to called 'Cowboy'"

Radio career

He has been a news anchor and agri-reporter on KAIT-TV in Jonesboro and farm director on KFIN-FM. He owned and operated the AgWatch Network, a farm news network heard on 39 radio stations in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky.[5]

U.S. House of Representatives
Crawford's freshman portrait (112th Congress

Elections
2010
Main article: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 1

Crawford chose to run for Arkansas' 1st congressional district after Democratic U.S. Representative Marion Berry decided to retire. Crawford received the endorsements of Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former federal official Asa Hutchinson, and former U.S. Representative Ed Bethune of Arkansas' 2nd congressional district.[6] He won the Republican primary, defeating Princella Smith 72 to 28 percent.[7] He won the general election, defeating Berry's chief of staff Chad Causey 52 to 43 percent.[8]

2012
Main article: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 1

Crawford won re-election to a second term by defeating Democratic prosecutor, Scott Ellington, 56 to 39 percent.[9]

2014
Main article: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 1

Crawford won re-election to a third term, defeating Heber Springs Mayor Jackie McPherson 63 to 33 percent.[10]

2016
Main article: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 1

Crawford won re-election to a fourth term, defeating Libertarian candidate Mark West 76 to 24 percent.[11]

2018
Main article: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 1

Crawford won re-election to a fifth term, defeating Democratic candidate Chinton Desai 70 to 29 percent.[11]

Tenure

On January 5, 2011, Crawford was sworn into office as a member of the 112th Congress. He is the first Republican to represent his district in Washington since Reconstruction. The last Republican to represent the district was Asa Hodges who vacated the seat on March 3, 1875, during Reconstruction.[12] Crawford is a member of the Republican Study Committee.[13]

Crawford voted to repeal U.S. President Barack H. Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and to return federal non-security spending to fiscal year 2008 levels. He also voted to terminate taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions.[14]

In 2010, Crawford signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity to vote against any global warming legislation that would raise taxes.[15]

Crawford supported President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order to impose a ban on travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, saying that the order was "designed to keep our nation safer" although "Green card holders and aides of the U.S. military should be allowed entry."[16]

Crawford voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, supporting tax reform.[17] He believes that the bill will make it easier for people to file their taxes and that "the vast majority of middle-income families in my district will get to keep more of their money to use as they wish." He also believes that local businesses will hire more and provide pay raises to current employers in the wake of the bill's implementation.[18]

In 2019, Crawford received a death threat from James Powell, 43 and a resident of Arkansas. Powell was charged "first-degree terroristic threatening" following an investigation by U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI. The charge carries a maximum six-year prison sentence and $10,000 fine.[19][20]

Legislation

On January 18, 2013, Crawford introduced the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act (H.R. 311; 113th Congress) into the House.[21] The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, which regulates oil discharges into navigable waters and adjoining shorelines.[22] The rule requires certain farmers to develop an oil spill prevention plan that is certified by a professional engineer and may require them to make infrastructure changes.[22] According to supporters, this bill would "ease the burden placed on farmers and ranchers" by making it easier for smaller farms to self-certify and raising the level of storage capacity under which farms are exempted.[23]

Committee assignments
Congressman Crawford questions Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in 2013.

Temporary resignation

On Nov 8th, Rep Rick Crawford announced he would temporarily resign from his seat on the House Intelligence Committee. Taking his place is Rep Jim Jordan. This move is to allow Jim Jordan to take lead on President Donald Trump's public impeachment hearings. Crawford indicated he would be reinstated back to his position once the "impeachment hoax" has concluded.[24]

Political positions

Abortion

Crawford is pro-life. He opposes federal funds being used in health plans to cover abortion and supports abortion only to be used in case of rape, incest or if the mother's life is threatened.[25]

Budget and economy

During his 2010 campaign, Crawford said that the national debt was the "single greatest threat facing the United States." He voted in support of amending the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to eliminate the Home Affordable Modification Program.[26]

Civil rights
LGBTQ

Crawford opposed the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalizing same-sex marriage and believes that it should have been decided state-by-state, not by the Supreme Court.[27] He co-sponsored the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act which would prohibit the federal government from acting against anti-same-sex marriage opinions.[28]

Women

Crawford opposed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013.[28]

Corporations

Crawford has a 0% rating from the UFCW for his pro-management voting record.[29]

Crime

Crawford supports the death penalty. As of 2014, he has a 62% rating from the National Association of Police Organizations for his stance on police-related issues.[30]

Education

Crawford supports school prayer. He opposes Common Core State Standards.[31]

Energy and oil

Crawford supports oil drilling on the outer continental shelf. He opposes the Environmental Protection Agency regulating greenhouse gases.[32]

Environment

Crawford co-sponsored the Sensible Environmental Protection Act. The act would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and Clean Water Act to allow for legal pesticide runoff in lakes and streams without permitting. He also co-sponsored the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act, allowing for forest road runoff without permitting.[33]

Animal welfare

Crawford co-sponsored the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act (PUPS), which would regulate dog breeders to 50 dogs per kennel.[33]

Free trade

Crawford signed the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act 2010, which he also co-sponsored.[34]

Government reform

Crawford opposes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulating farms and ranches. He signed the No Pork Pledge from Citizens Against Government Waste. He co-sponsored the STOCK Act. He opposes using government funds for paying for art considered "offensive."[35]

Guns

Crawford is pro-gun rights and opposes restrictions related to the Second Amendment.[36]

Health care

Crawford supports efforts to repeal Obamacare. He supported The Path to Prosperity.[37]

Homeland security

Crawford supported extending the Patriot Act's roving wiretaps policy. He opposes the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.[38]

Immigration

Crawford opposes illegal aliens having access to in-state college tuition discounts.[39]

Jobs

As of 2012, Crawford has a 92% rating from the Competitive Enterprise Institute for his pro-workplace choice voting record.[40]

Media

Crawford voted in support of eliminating federal funding for National Public Radio.[41]

Social security

As of 2013, Crawford has a 10% rating from the Alliance for Retired Americans for his support for privatization.[42]

Tax reform

Crawford signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. He opposes tax increases and supports the elimination of the inheritance tax.[43]

Donald J. Trump

Impeachment

Crawford opposed the impeachment of Donald Trump. He calls the impeachment a "shampeachment".[44]

War and peace

Crawford voted in support of banning armed forces in Libya without Congressional approval in 2011. That same year, he opposed efforts to remove US troops from Afghanistan and supported sanctions against Iran in the Iran Threat Reduction Act.[45]

Rick and Stacy Crawford

Welfare and poverty

Crawford supports laws requiring welfare recipients to work.[46]

Personal life

Crawford and his wife, Stacy, live in Jonesboro with their children. He attends Nettleton Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Jonesboro.[47]

Electoral history
Arkansas 1st Congressional District Republican primary election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Crawford 14,461 71.79
Republican Princella Smith 5,682 28.21
Arkansas 1st Congressional District Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Crawford 93,224 51.79
Democratic Chad Causey 78,267 43.48
Green Ken Adler 8,320 4.62
Write-ins Write-ins 205 0.11
Arkansas 1st Congressional District election, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Crawford (inc.) 138,800 56.23
Democratic Scott Ellington 96,601 39.13
Libertarian Jessica Paxton 6,427 2.60
Green Jacob Holloway 5,015 2.03
Arkansas 1st Congressional District election, 2014
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Crawford (inc.) 124,139 63.25
Democratic Jackie McPherson 63,555 32.38
Libertarian Brian Scott Willhite 8,562 4.36
Arkansas 1st Congressional District election, 2016
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Crawford (inc.) 183,866 76.3
Libertarian Mark West 57,181 23.7
Arkansas 1st Congressional District election, 2018
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Crawford (inc.) 138,757 68.9
Democratic Chintan Desai 57,907 28.8
Libertarian Elvis Presley 4,581 2.3

References
  1. "Biography | Representative Rick Crawford". crawford.house.gov.
  2. "freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com".
  3. "Improvised bombs 'tricky' to handle, Arkansas congressman says". Congressman Rick Crawford. 25 October 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  4. Stiles, Andrew (2010-10-27). "National Review: Turning Arkansas Red". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  5. "About – Rick Crawford for Congress". www.meetrickcrawford.com.
  6. "meetrickcrawford.com endorsements".
  7. "Our Campaigns - AR District 01 - R Primary Race - May 18, 2010". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  8. "Our Campaigns - AR - District 01 Race - Nov 02, 2010". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  9. "Our Campaigns - AR - District 01 Race - Nov 06, 2012". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  10. "NOVEMBER 4, 2014 ARKANSAS GENERAL ELECTION AND NONPARTISAN RUNOFF ELECTION OFFICIAL RESULTS OUTSTANDING PROVISIONAL & UOCAVA BALLOTS". results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  11. "Rick Crawford (Arkansas)". Ballotpedia.
  12. bioguide.congress.gov Asa Hodges
  13. mcallennow.com voter resources, Rick Crawford
  14. "Vote Record | Representative Rick Crawford". crawford.house.gov.
  15. "/americansforprosperity.org Americans for Prosperity Applauds U.S. House Candidate Rick Crawford" (PDF).
  16. Blake, Aaron (January 31, 2017). "Whip Count: Here's where Republicans stand on Trump's controversial travel ban". Washington Post.
  17. Almukhtar, Sarah (19 December 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  18. "Senate OKs tax bill; House revote set". Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  19. Connolly, Griffin. "Arkansas man arrested for death threats against Sen. Tom Cotton, Rep. Rick Crawford". Roll Call. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  20. "Man jailed in Faulkner Co. accused of threatening Rep. Rick Crawford and Sen. Tom Cotton". Fox 16. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  21. "H.R. 311 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  22. "H.R. 311 – CBO". Congressional Budget Office. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  23. "Committee passes legislation to ease burden of SPCC program". High Plains Journal. 23 December 2013. Archived from the original on 11 March 2014. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  24. KATV (2019-11-08). "Rep. Crawford announces temporary resignation from the House Intelligence Committee". KATV. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
  25. "Rick Crawford on Abortion". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  26. "Rick Crawford on Budget & Economy". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  27. "Arkansas politicians, activists divided on same sex marriage ruling - Talk Business & Politics". Talk Business & Politics. 28 June 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  28. "Rick Crawford on Civil Rights". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 15 July 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  29. "Rick Crawford on Corporations". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  30. "Rick Crawford on Crime". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  31. "Rick Crawford on Education". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 19 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  32. "Rick Crawford on Energy & Oil". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  33. "Rick Crawford on Environment". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  34. "Rick Crawford on Free Trade". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 13 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  35. "Rick Crawford on Government Reform". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  36. "Rick Crawford on Gun Control". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  37. "Rick Crawford on Health Care". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 12 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  38. "Rick Crawford on Homeland Security". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  39. "Rick Crawford on Immigration". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  40. "Rick Crawford on Jobs". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  41. "Rick Crawford on Technology". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 14 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  42. "Rick Crawford on Social Security". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  43. "Rick Crawford on Tax Reform". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 14 June 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  44. Crawford, Rick (1 February 2020). "Most of America appreciates how the Republican Senate stood up to the malformed #Shampeachment charges by House Dems. Their message is simple - the will of the people via legal & open elections matters not if it's against their agenda. America wins, again!". @RepRickCrawford. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  45. "Rick Crawford on War & Peace". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  46. "Rick Crawford on Welfare & Poverty". On the Issues. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  47. Staff (5 January 2011). "Ten Southern Baptists sworn in as new reps". Baptist Press. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Marion Berry		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Arkansas's 1st congressional district
2011–present		 Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
David Cicilline		 United States Representatives by seniority
154th		 Succeeded by
Scott DesJarlais
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