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Democrat Jimmy Farris Loses His First Attempt At Political Office

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Wesley Hitt / Getty Images

Jimmy Farris playing with the Washington Redskins in 2007.

Jimmy Farris, the Democratic challenger to incumbent Rep. Raúl Labrador in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, lost by a wide margin.

Farris is a former NFL football player, retiring from the game in 2009.  His 2012 Congressional bid was his first foray into politics, and he says he’ll be back in 2014.

“I’m definitely not a flash in the pan, at all,” says Farris.  “I have a real desire to be involved in public service, and particularly to be involved here in my home state.”

Farris was born in Lewiston in 1978. He attended the University of Montana and graduated with a degree in marketing and management. After retiring from the NFL, Farris worked as a sports broadcaster.

He returned to Idaho and announced his bid for Congress, defeating Cynthia Clinkingbeard in the Democratic primary. Farris has criticized Rep. Labrador for missing votes in Congress while campaigning for presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.

Farris supports women’s rights and has been critical of a Medicaid voucher program. He promotes bringing higher paying jobs to the state, and defends Idahoans increased use of food stamps.

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