In campaign news today, Democratic congressman Walt Minnick was endorsed by the Idaho Medical Association and the American Medical Association, the groups that represent doctors in Idaho and nationwide. "IMA appreciates Congressman Minnick's extensive efforts to reach out to the medical community on an ongoing basis," said Susie Pouliot, CEO of the Idaho association. "He consistently reflects the values of his constituents and has shown the courage to vote accordingly." Click here to read the full announcement.

Meanwhile, Minnick's challenger, Raul Labrador, announced that he's signed a pledge to back repeal of the federal estate tax and won support from the American Family Business Institute, a group promoting the pledge. Dick Patten, the institute's president, said, “Labrador has been a strong advocate for permanently repealing this unfair double tax. He understands that the Death Tax penalizes family farmers and business owners when they die. I’m encouraged that he has committed to taking a more active role in the repeal fight.” Click below to read the full announcement.

LABRADOR SIGNS DEATH TAX REPEAL PLEDGE AND WINS PRAISE BY BUSINESS GROUP
“I STAND WITH THE INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, FARMS AND BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THIS UNFAIR DOUBLE TAX AND I COMMIT TO WORKING FOR IT'S REPEAL”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 23,2010
BOISE, ID- The American Family Business Institute issued a recent statement praising Raul Labrador, Republican nominee for Idaho's 1st Congressional District, for signing the Death Tax Repeal Pledge. By signing the pledge, Labrador has committed to support a repeal of the law recently made permanent by a vote of his Democrat opponent.

In a prepared statement Labrador stated, “ I am grateful for the support from the American Family Business Institute. I stand with the individuals, families, farms and businesses affected by this unfair double tax and I commit to working for it's repeal. I have a record of standing up for Idahoans on issues of taxation and I will carry that fight to Washington, DC. This is really bad timing for the Democrats, including my opponent, to make the Death Tax permanent when it severely and negatively affects so many lives and depresses the economy.”

American Family Business Institute President, Dick Patten expressed his support in a prepared statement, “Labrador has been a strong advocate for permanently repealing this unfair double tax. He understands that the Death Tax penalizes family farmers and business owners when they die. I’m encouraged that he has committed to taking a more active role in the repeal fight,” Patten added.  “With the economy in the midst of a prolonged recession, we need to be helping family businesses and farmers, not hitting them with an additional tax.
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