John Salazar

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John Salazar

United States Representative from Colorado's 3rd district
In office 2005 - present
Preceded by	Scott McInnis
Succeeded by	Incumbant

Born	July 21, 1953 Alamosa, Colorado
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Lou Salazar
Religion	Roman Catholic

John T. Salazar (born July 21, 1953) is a Democrat from Colorado, was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004, representing the state's 3rd Congressional district (map). He was born in Alamosa, Colorado, but calls Manassa, Colorado his home. He is married to Mary Lou Salazar and has three children. His brother, Ken Salazar, was also elected in 2004 to represent Colorado in the U.S. Senate.

Salazar served in the U.S. Army from 1973-1976, and is a farmer and rancher, raising cattle, potatoes, wheat, barley, and hay. He also served on the Colorado Agricultural Commission from 1999-2002 and in the Colorado House of Representatives. from 2003 until 2004.

Salazar, who grew up on his parents' farm and ranch, is concerned with conservation, particularly when it comes to water rights. He has said his top priority on Capitol Hill will be ensuring that water derived from the snow melt of Colorado's Western Slope will stay in his district instead of being sent to California or Nevada. Though a Democrat, he has conservative leanings -- he opposes expanding gun control and supports permanent repeal of the inheritance tax. He also supports allowing Americans to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.

As a veteran, a son of a veteran, and father of a child serving in the Colorado National Guard as of 2004, Salazar has also been vocal against cuts to veterans' benefits and has criticized the Bush administration's proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

[edit] 2006 Reelection Campaign

Salazar won an open-seat in 2004 against Greg Walcher. He handily won his reelection bid against Republican Scott Tipton from Cortez, Colorado. The 3rd District includes more conservative strongholds in the rural valley regions of southern and western Colorado including Grand Junction and some more liberal strongholds such as Pueblo and some pockets in the mountains, such as Durango, CO. The district is described as politically balanced and was a closely watched race in 2006. Salazar won with 61% of the vote.