Mayhew Mayhem

Mayhew's theory is that members of congress use advertising, credit claiming, and position taking to get re-elected. Advertising is the business of generating name recognition, credit claiming is taking credit for one's legislation being passed that benefits or is popular with one's district, and position taking is the business of endorsing specific positions popular with one's constituents. In this 2018 campaign ad, I do the first two: I spend the first half just talking about myself (advertising), then I take credit for laboratory funding and legislation strengthening wildfire management. I also engage in position taking, such as by tweeting "Conservative solutions are working!" about the national unemployment rate, publicly taking the position that fiscal conservatism helps address unemployment. I furthermore engaged in credit claiming for the passing of my hallmark legislation the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act, standing behind President Obama as he signs the bill into law, and in position taking in a press release statement on my vote for the 2017 tax cuts.

I Love Re-Election

I do great at getting re-elected. In 2016, I won the primary vote by 73% and the general by 62.9%. Given my district's strong Republican leaning and consistently winning primaries and generals by large margins over the past couple decades, should I seek yet another re-election in 2020 I most probably will face no serious opposition. Should I in 2020 seek either re-election or higher office, I will yet again campaign—with hopefully and very probably as much success as my previous several re-elections—on the interests most dear to Idahoans: low taxes, gun rights, pro-life values, Christian family values, and the best interest of the potato industry.

Know My District

I proudly serve Idaho's 2nd congressional district. My district is over 90% white. By population, my district is 67.03% urban, as my district encompasses a significant portion of Boise, Idaho's state capital and largest city; my district also includes the cities of Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Rexburg, Hailey and Sun Valley. The median income in my district is $51,307. My district is heavily Republican; in 2016, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton 54.5% over 29.8%. Moreover, in the previous four presidential elections, the Republican won over 60%. The Cook PVI for my district is R+17. My district is heavily populated by the LDS, which myself and the previous 7 representatives preceding me are or were a member thereof. As my state is most famed for, a big industry in my district is potatoes.

I shall introduce myself

Greetings, my fellow Americans,

My name is Mike Simpson. I have been serving in the House for Idaho since 1999. I was born September 8, 1950. Prior to Washington, I served in the Washington house from 1984–1999. I serve in three subcommittees under the Committee of Appropriations, most notably as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. For caucuses, I serve on several, notably the House Potato Caucus and the 2nd Amendment Caucus. I am a proud owner of a 0 rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and 100% from the National Right to Life Committee. I won over 60% of the vote in my last nine elections.

https://simpson.house.gov/

https://simpson.house.gov/biography/