John Salazar
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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.
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