For Immediate Release  September 16, 2011

NRCC Communications Office - (202) 479-7070  Contact:  Paul Lindsay, CommunicationsDirector

Larsen's Overbearing Policies and Lack of Leadership Weakens Chances for Recovery

Washington --- Small business owners are ready to get America back to work but Rick Larsen continuously refuses to support pro-growth measures. Larsen's Washington constituents are feeling the pain as the August unemployment rate in the state remained sky high at 9.3 percent. It's clear that the anti-growth agenda pursued by Larsen and his party is doing nothing to create jobs for American workers, stalling the effort to get the economy back on track.

"Washington's unemployment rate is the latest proof that Rick Larsen and his party's failed economic record and unpopular policies are getting in the way of job creation," said NRCC Communications Director Paul Lindsay. "Larsen has championed a big-government agenda that impedes the ability for small businesses to create jobs. Washington families deserve better than that, which is why they are prepared to send Larsen a message next November."

Washington unemployment remained sky high at 9.3 percent in August. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accessed 9/16/2011)

"Unemployment rates rose in a majority of states in August for a third straight month, further proof that job growth is weak nationwide." "The Labor Department says unemployment rates increased in 26 states. They fell in 12 and remained unchanged in 12. "Nationwide, hiring fell significantly in August. The economy added no new net jobs, and the unemployment rate stayed at 9.1 percent for the second straight month." ("Unemployment rates rose in majority of states,"AP, 9/16/2011)

With Washington's unemployment rate remaining sky high in August, Rick Larsen needs to stop blocking growth and start focusing on getting the millions of unemployed Americans back to work.

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July 7, 2011

Arlington, WA - On a beautiful blue sky day marked by warm weather, exciting speeches and good cheer, John Koster's Old Fashioned Picnic and BBQ on Saturday (July 2nd) was a smashing success. With an overflow crowd of more than 350, the Koster for Congress campaign team was overwhelmed by the enormous show of support.

John Koster & Senator Val Stevens

Twenty-two elected officials and candidates attended from all corners of the 2nd Congressional District. The event showcased the depth of support for candidate John Koster, who nearly upset the entrenched Rick Larsen in one of the nation's hottest (and closest) races last year.

"I'm greatly humbled by the outpouring of support", said Koster. "My campaign is getting started much earlier than in 2010, when my opponent amassed a $700K war chest before I entered the race. We are simply not going to allow the liberal Rick Larsen and his special interest driven campaign to get such a major head start this time around. The enthusiasm of the crowd on Saturday tells me that our message is on the mark and that our campaign is already clicking!"