State Rep. Raul Labrador issued this statement this morning after his upset victory late last night in the GOP primary for the 1st CD. Unofficial final results show Labrador winning with 47.6 percent of the vote to 38.9 percent for Vaughn Ward. “I’ve received a call of congratulations from Mr. Ward, and I appreciate his graciousness,” Labrador said. “I want to acknowledge his service to this nation and his hard work as a candidate.”

Looking ahead to the general election, when Labrador will face freshman Democratic Congressman Walt Minnick, Labrador said, “I view Mr. Minnick as an honorable man. ... We disagree on a host of issues, but I am committed to having a vigorous debate and running an honorable campaign focused on what is best for America and Idaho" He said the "people of Idaho deserve that kind of debate.” Labrador also said he looks forward to joining the traditional Republican unity press conference at noon today "with Sen. Mike Crapo, Governor Butch Otter, Congressman Mike Simpson and the rest of the Republican statewide ticket." Labrador has clashed with Otter, particularly over Labrador's successful efforts to kill Otter's proposed gas tax increase in House two years ago, but Otter said last night that he'd support the GOP primary winner, whoever it was.

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