WhoRunsGov

Justin Amash (R-Mich.)

U.S. Representative (since January 2011)

Why He Matters

Facebooking his way up the political ladder, Amash successfully won western Michigan's 3rd district seat in 2010, which is being vacated by retiring Rep. Vern Ehlers (R). He joins the ranks of up-and-coming, Gen-Y Republicans poised to enter the House. At 30, he was the youngest member of 2010's freshman class.

With only two years of political experience in Michigan's House, Amash has garnered national attention with his new-media legislating. He was among the first politicians to post explanations of his votes on Facebook, part of his commitment to transparency and government accountability. He was on Time magazine's list of 2010 "40 Under 40" rising politicial stars.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Michigan Representative (2008-2011); Co-owner, Dynamic Source International; Business Lawyer, Varnum LLP (2006- 2007)
  • Birthday: April 18, 1980
  • Hometown: Cascade Charter Township, MI
  • Alma Mater: University of Michigan, B.A. 2002; University of Michigan Law School, J.D. 2005
  • Spouse: Kara
  • Religion: Christian
  • Committees: Budget ; Oversight and Government Reform
  • DC Office: 114 Canon HOBWashington, DC 20515Phone: (202) 225-3831
  • District Office: 110 Michigan St., Suite 166Grand Rapids, MI 49503Phone: (616) 451-8383
  • Web site
 

Path To Power

Amash was born in 1980 in Grand Rapids and grew up in the suburb of Kentwood. He is the son of Palestinian and Syrian immigrants. A self-made businessman, his father Attallah founded Michigan Industrial Tools, an importer and distributor of hand tools.

He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a B.A. in economics. He stayed on at Michigan to earn a law degree in 2005. Amash was an associate at Varnum LLP, where he specialized in mergers-and-acquisitions, banking and small business matters.

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The Issues

Dubbed a "Tea Party darling" by the press, Amash won the support of the conservative grassroots movement with his commitment to limited government and fiscal responsibility.

As a pro-business Republican, Amash opposes cap-and-trade and believes that a free-market approach is best suited for determining energy policies. He is against government subsidies for targeted industries.

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The Network

In the 2010 House Race, Amash was endorsed Rep. Ron Paul (R). In a radio interview, he named Paul as one of his political influences. Amash admired the way the Texas congressman has "stuck to his guns" and principles.

Former Republican presidential candidate and magazine publisher Steve Forbes also endorsed fellow fiscal conservative Amash.

 

Additional Resources

  1. Michigan Live, "Michigan Voter Guide: Justin Amash"
  2. Amash for Congress, "Issues"
  3. Hurst, Nathan. "Amash gets Steve Forbes endorsement," The Detroit News, September 2, 2010
  4. Allen, Mike, Politico's Playbook, Jan. 14, 2010
  5. Harger, Jim. "Justin Amash breezes to victory," Grand Rapids Press, August 4, 2010
  6. Interview with "News Talk 1340," WJRW 1340, July 22, 2010
  7. Harger, Jim, "Profile: 3rd Congressional district candidate Justin Amash," Grand Rapids Press, October 24, 2010
  8. Interview with "News Talk 1340," WJRW, July 22, 2010
  9. Silverman, Matt, "How Political Campaigns Are Using Social Media for Real Results," Mashable, September 6, 2010
  10. "Justin Amash Interview,"Fox 17, July 26, 2010
  11. The Michigan Talk Network, "Justin Amash, Representative R - running for Congress," September 16, 2010
  12. Interview with Michael Patrick Shields in the Morning, The Michigan Talk Network, August 6, 2010
  13. Amash for Congress, "About Justin"
  14. Michigan Live, "Michigan Voter Guide: Justin Amash"
  15. Interview, Michigan Talk Network, September 16, 2010
  16. Interview with News Talk 1340, WJRW 1340, July 22, 2010
  17. Interview with "News Talk 1340",WJRW1340, July 22, 2010
  18. Amash for Congress, "Issues"
  19. Amash For Congress, "Issues"
  20. Harger, Jim. "Press conference turns into debate between Congressional candidates," Grand Rapids Press, October 7, 2010
  21. "Justin Amash's camp says Patrick Miles TV ad attack off-target,"The Grand Rapids Press, September 26, 2010
  22. Amash for Congress,"How a Bill Becomes a Law"
  23. Time Magazine, "40 under 40: Justin Amash," October 14, 2010
  24. Michigan Live, "Michigan Voter Guide: Justin Amash"
  25. Harger, Jim, "Profile: 3rd Congressional District Candidate Justin Amash," Grand Rapids Press, October 24, 2010