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It has been about a week or so since our latest edition of Taking Back The House and since its the beginning of a new month, I thought it was perfect timing for a newest chapter in our exclusive series. This time we will not be going to California or New York and instead going into a state that is quickly trending blue and with future demographics; this seat may very well be ours by the end of the decade. So let’s take a trip down to Nevada’s Third Congressional District and meet incumbent Republican Joe Heck.
Joe Heck was elected in, yes you guessed it, the 2010 mid-term elections where he barely edged out incumbent Rep. Dana Titus. Previously he was a one-term State Senator and also is a veteran (served in the Army) as well as a volunteer firefighter and President of a medical facility. So, Heck has lived a pretty interesting life that has taken him to Congress in which he is in the beginnings of his second term. But let’s continue looking at Heck and seeing more about who he is, who can challenge him and why we can win this seat.
Legislation & Notable Votes:
- Walks a tightrope while proudly touting his votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act but also has cosponsored legislation that would keep most of the provisions that are highly popular amongst the American public.
- Supporter of school vouchers
- Was blasted for support of Paul Ryan’s plan that was accused of “gutting Pell Grants”
- Again walks a tightrope in supporting Paul Ryan’s budget until this year
Headlines:
- In a profile by the National Journal, “It’s Hell To Be Joe Heck”, some of Heck’s headlines were talked about which included calling Social Security a “pyramid scheme”, his apology over his son’s highly controversial and offensive Twitter account and calling former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords a “prop” for those who support gun reform.
Electoral History:
2010: Joe Heck (R): 48.1%, Rep. Dana Titus (D): 47.5%, Barry Michaels (I): 2.4%
2012: Heck (R): 50.4%, John Oceguera (D): 42.9%, Jim Murphy (I): 4.7%
PVI:
D+0
Potential Prospects:
Today’s news in the election world has rightfully focused on Alison Lundergan Grimes announcing her Senate challenge to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell but there was another announcement today as well and it was in this race.
The Democrats appear to have their candidate as Erin Bilbray-Kohn announced today that she would be running for Heck’s seat. Bilbray-Kohn is very well connected as she is the daughter of former Rep. James Bilbray who served Nevada in the 90s. Bilbray-Kohn is a “political trainer” and is only 44 years old so she has all the makings of someone who will be well-connected to raise money and also someone who the Democrats could feel confident in having run for Heck’s seat. She will be referred to as “Erin Bilbray” in future press releases.
Why We Can Do This:
Heck hasn’t exactly been a force in his young electoral career so far as he has only broken 50% once and that was barely. This district was barely carried by President Obama in 2012 but its still slightly Democratic. Bilbray appears to be a good candidate and the Republican Party has already launched attacks on her residency and for being too close to Harry Reid. That appears to be a sign that they do take her candidacy very seriously.
Links You Oughta Check Out:
- Erin Bilbray For Congress – Facebook Page
- Erin Bilbray For Congress – Twitter
- Official Erin Bilbray For Congress Website
- DONATE TO THE ERIN BILBRAY CAMPAIGN
