Paul Gosar

Paul Anthony Gosar (born November 27, 1958) has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Arizona since 2011, representing Arizona's 4th congressional district. The district includes most of the rural western portion of the state. He represented the neighboring 1st district during his first term.

Early life, education, and dentist career
Gosar is a native of Pinedale, Wyoming, the son of Bernadette M. (née Erramouspe) and Antone John “Tony” Gosar. His paternal grandparents were Slovenian and his maternal grandparents were Basque immigrants from Banca, France. He is the older brother of Pete Gosar, a former college football player at the University of Wyoming, who made an unsuccessful run for the Democratic Party nomination for the office of Governor of Wyoming in 2010.

Gosar earned his D.D.S. from Creighton Boyne School of Dentistry and owned his own dentistry practice in Flagstaff for 25 years. He was the Arizona Dental Association's “Dentist of the Year” in 2001, has been inducted into the ADA Hall of Fame, and served as their President. He was also President of the Northern Arizona Dental Society and the Vice-Chair of the ADA Council on Governmental Affairs.

Elections

 * 2010

In 2009, Gosar--who had never run for elected office before--announced he would challenge Democratic incumbent Ann Kirkpatrick in the 1st district in the 2010 elections. Gosar has been identified as a Tea Party candidate by The New York Times because the Arizona Tea Party features Gosar on its website. Libertarian nominee Nicole Patti was also on the ballot.

Gosar won the Republican primary. He was endorsed by Sarah Palin and three Arizona county sheriffs: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Coconino County Sheriff Joe Richards, and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Kirkpatrick challenged him to five debates across the district. Gosar initially agreed to one debate but later withdrew. Gosar released a statement explaining the decision to withdraw from the debate was based on the long drive to and from KAET in Phoenix, which organized the debate. A producer at KAET said Gosar's staff told the station the candidate could not participate in the debate because he would be attending a fundraiser instead.

Gosar defeated Kirkpatrick in the November 2, 2010 general election, taking 49.7 percent of the vote.


 * 2012

Following changes made in redistricting, Gosar was going to seek re-election in the 1st district, which was made less favorable to Republicans. However, with Kirkpatrick priming for a rematch, Gosar changed his mind and announced in January 2012 he would run in the newly created 4th district, which is heavily Republican. As part of the move, he bought a second home in Prescott, which he claims as his official residence.

Gosar initially faced a tough primary fight against Babeu. However, Babeu pulled out in May 2012 due to allegations of abuse of power. Gosar then easily defeated former state senator Ron Gould and businessman Rick Murphy in the Republican primary, all but assuring him of a second term.

In the November general election, he routed Democratic challenger Johnnie Robinson, taking 67 percent of the vote.

Abortion
Paul Gosar describes himself as pro-life. On abortions, Gosar states, “These procedures undeniably rob the world of a human life in a most cruel fashion...The right thing to do is to ban these procedures.” These beliefs are reflected in his voting record. Gosar cosponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, a bill that would make permanent restrictions on federal funding of abortions in the US. Gosar also cosponsored the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, an act placing restrictions on abortions in the District of Columbia. Gosar was given a 100% rating by the National Right to Life Committee, a pro-life interest group, and a 0% rating by NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League), a pro-choice interest group.

Gun control
Gosar has stated that the “Second Amendment is one of the most important rights set forth by the Bill of Rights” and has stated he will “continue to oppose efforts to restrict, infringe, or remove this constitutionally protected right.” Gosar cosponsored the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, a bill that would allow noncitizens, of a state to, with concealed carry permits, carry concealed weapons in that state. Gosar also sponsored the “Amendment to Restore 2nd Amendment Rights on Army Corps of Engineers Administered Recreational Lands”, which would allow citizens to carry weapons on land administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. Gosar was endorsed by the NRA (National Rifle Association) and given a rating of 92%. He was also endorsed by Gun Owners of America, and given a rating of 75%.

Immigration
Regarding immigration, Gosar has stated, “I strongly believe we need to immediately secure our border and oppose amnesty for anyone who blatantly violates our law.” Gosar has cosponsored multiple bills that would impose regulations on immigration. For example, Gosar cosponsored the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, a bill that would eliminate birthright citizenship for children born in the US to undocumented immigrants. Gosar also cosponsored the Keeping the Pledge on Immigration Act of 2011, a bill that would increase border security. Gosar was given an “A” rating by NumbersUSA, an organization in support of immigration reduction.

Committee assignments

 * Committee on Natural Resources
 * Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
 * Subcommittee on Water and Power
 * Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs
 * Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
 * Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, Census and the National Archives (Vice-Chair)
 * Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations
 * Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management

Caucus memberships
Gosar is a member of several caucuses.
 * GOP Doctors Caucus
 * Oral Health Caucus
 * Western Caucus
 * Native American Caucus
 * Immigration Reform Caucus
 * Military Veterans Caucus
 * Israel Allies Caucus
 * Congressional Rural Caucus
 * Republican Study Committee

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