Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson says he has a proven conservative record, pointing to high marks from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Right to Life and National Rifle Association. But the moderate Republican also displays a willingness to be pragmatic and listen to views from across the aisle on such matters as deficit reduction. Simpson was accepted into dental school at Washington University in St. Louis, and then returned to Blackfoot to work alongside his father and uncle in their family dental practice. His first foray into public office was as a member of the nonpartisan Blackfoot City Council. He served four years and then was elected to the Idaho legislature in 1984.

Learn what Mike Simpson says about finding common ground