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Nick Rahall

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Nick Rahall
Image of Nick Rahall

Democratic Party

Prior offices
U.S. House West Virginia District 3
Successor: Evan Jenkins

Compensation

Net worth

$2,776,087.50

Elections and appointments
Last election

November 4, 2014

Education

High school

Woodrow Wilson High School, W.Va.

Bachelor's

Duke University

Nick Joe Rahall II (b. May 20, 1949, in Beckley, W.Va.) was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia. He was first elected to the House in 1976 to represent West Virginia's 4th Congressional District. When the 4th District was eliminated in 1992, Rahall ran for and won election to West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District seat.

Biography

Rahall graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in W.Va. He then earned his bachelor's degree from Duke University, and he began working for Sen. Robert Byrd after graduating. Rahall then went into business and launched his own political career.[1]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Rahall's political career:[2]

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2013-2014

Rahall served on the following committees:[3][4]

2011-2012

Rahall served on the following House committees:[2]

  • Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Ranking member
    • Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
    • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
    • Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
    • Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials
    • Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment

Key votes

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[5] For more information pertaining to Rahall's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[6]

National security

NDAA

Yea3.png Rahall voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[7]

DHS Appropriations

Yea3.png Rahall voted for HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[8]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Yea3.png Rahall voted for House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[9]

CISPA (2013)

Yea3.png Rahall voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans but divided the Democratic Party.[10]

Economy

Farm Bill
See also: United States Farm Bill 2013

Nay3.png Rahall voted against the Farm Bill on July 11, 2013. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.[11] The bill passed included farm policy, but it did not include food stamps.[12]

Government shutdown
See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Nay3.pngOn September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[13] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[14] Rahall voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[15]

Yea3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[16] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Rahall voted for HR 2775.[17]

Immigration

King Amendment

Yea3.png In June 2013, the House approved an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security spending bill that would end the department's discretion policies by cutting off funding for the proposed DREAM Act, which would have temporarily halted the deportations of young immigrants if they had served in the military or were attending college. This vote overturned an executive order signed by President Obama that formalized a process for the "Dreamers" to remain in the U.S.[18][19][20]

The amendment, offered by Rep. Steve King (R) of Iowa, passed the House by a vote of 224-201 and was approved mostly along party lines. However, three Democrats supported the amendment and six Republicans opposed it, while nine members did not vote.[20]Rahall was one of the three Democratic members who voted in favor of the amendment.[19]

The amendment would effectively demand the government force out "Dreamers" who came to the U.S. as children.[20] It contrasted with comprehensive immigration reform efforts, including proposed DREAM Act style legislation, and would resume the deportation of hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought illegally to the United States as children.[21] The amendment was the first immigration-related vote in either chamber of Congress in 2013, and it blocked many of the provisions that were mirrored in the Senate’s Gang of Eight bill.[22][20]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Nay3.png Rahall voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[23]

Social issues

House vote on abortion ban

Yea3.png On June 18, 2013, the House voted 228-196 on HR1797, mostly along party lines, to approve a ban on abortions occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy.[24][25][26] A number of members crossed over party lines in their votes. The vote was largely symbolic, as the Senate was not expected to take up the bill, and the White House threatened to veto the legislation.[27] Rahall was one of six Democratic members who voted in favor of the ban.

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal cliff

Yea3.png Rahall voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003, while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[28]

Campaign themes

2014

Rahall’s website highlighted the following campaign themes:[29]

“

COAL

Protecting coal miners, their jobs, their families and their safety has always been a top priority for me and will continue to be. I will continue to oppose the President and EPA when they propose laws and regulations that will hurt West Virginia and cost us coal industry jobs. And, I will continue my longtime fight to promote mine safety and ensure that retired miners receive the full pension and benefits they were promised.

JOBS

I will continue my fight to create new, high-paying jobs and preserve the ones we have. As the ranking Member on the Transportation Committee, I will keep pushing to bring needed highway and interstate improvements, along with the jobs they create, to our state. We will keep working to improve the job creation environment for small businesses and help industry and our universities work together to bring hi-tech jobs to West Virginia, as well as doing all we can to continue to build West Virginia’s reputation as one of America’s top destinations for outdoor recreation and tourism.

BUY AMERICAN

My efforts to promote products “Made in America” and “Made in West Virginia” will continue. I support tax incentives for companies that create American jobs and oppose tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas.

HEALTHCARE

I have always believed that quality healthcare must be accessible, affordable, and available for every West Virginian. Let's fix portions of the new healthcare law that need to be corrected while ensuring that Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions or place arbitrary financial caps on the amount of coverage patients can receive. And, as I voted to do, let's allow patients to be able to keep their existing plans.

SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE

Nothing is more important than our nation’s commitment to seniors. Social Security and Medicare benefits have been earned. They are not give-away programs. I will continue to steadfastly oppose anyone in Congress who tries to raise the retirement age, slash Social Security benefits, phase out Medicare or turn it into a voucher program that will mean higher out-of-pocket costs for seniors.

MILITARY AND VETERANS

I believe in maintaining a strong military. I also believe that we must provide proper training, pay and benefits to members of the military. In addition, it is critical that we honor our long-standing commitment to our veterans. [30]

”
—Nick Rahall, http://web.archive.org/web/20140415210847/http://www.nickrahall.com/issues

Earmarks

A Washington Post investigation in February 2012 revealed that 33 members of Congress helped direct more than $300 million in earmarks to public projects in close proximity to commercial and residential real estate owned by the lawmakers or their family members.[31] According to the report, Rahall helped secure $20 million toward a parking garage with a bus and taxi facility in downtown Beckley. The project was about a half-mile from his son's home, less than one mile from a commercial property owned by the lawmaker and a little more than a mile from his residence.[32]

Elections

2014

BattlegroundRace.jpg
See also: West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014

West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District was one of Ballotpedia's U.S. House battleground districts in 2014 because of incumbent Nick Rahall's vulnerability as a Democrat serving in a Republican district. Fairvote projections showed the district as only slightly favoring Democrats, but Cook PVI showed the district as heavily favoring Republicans.[33][34] In addition, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won the district by 26.8 percentage points in 2012, and Sen. John McCain won the district by 13.4 percentage points in 2008. The race was rated a "Tossup" contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.[35]

Rahall defeated Richard Ojeda in the Democratic primary on May 13, 2014.[36] Rahall was defeated by West Virginia state Senator Evan Jenkins (R), a former Democrat, who switched parties in July 2013 to challenge Rahall, in the general election.

Election results

General election
U.S. House, West Virginia District 3 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Nick Rahall Incumbent 44.6% 62,688
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngEvan Jenkins 55.4% 77,713
Total Votes 140,401
Source: West Virginia Secretary of State
Democratic primary results
U.S. House, West Virginia District 3 Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngNick Rahall Incumbent 66.5% 37,176
Richard Ojeda 33.5% 18,767
Total Votes 55,943
Source: West Virginia Secretary of State

Race background

NRCC early target

Rahall was one of seven early targets listed by the National Republican Congressional Committee in the 2014 congressional elections.[37] The seven targets aligned perfectly with the seven most Republican districts held by Democrats, according to FairVote's partisanship index. Rahall's district was ranked as the third most Republican (40% D).[38]

DCCC "Frontline Program"

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) added Rahall to its Frontline Program in March 2014.[39] The Frontline Program was a partnership between the DCCC and members of Congress designed to protect vulnerable Democratic incumbents. Members of the program were required to sign a memorandum that required them to meet aggressive fundraising goals, accelerate volunteer and recruitment efforts and increase their online networking.[40]

Rahall retirement rumors

On April 6, 2014, on CNN's Inside Politics, host John King said that Rahall was "about to retire a couple of weeks ago. And the leadership convinced him not to do that." In an interview with LoganBanner.com, Rahall called King's comments "completely false." He added, “I gave absolutely no consideration to withdrawing from this race. The Democrat Party has always intended to support me and they and the voters will do just that. I would not give up this seat, which belongs to the people, without a fight.”[41]

Power plant regulations

As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepared to release new power plant CO2 regulations in September 2013, Rahall faced pressure from his 2014 opponent, Evan Jenkins. In July 2013, Rahall appeared at an EPA ceremony to rename the organization's headquarters. He insisted that his appearance was to afford him time to speak with Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator, but Jenkins claimed it was a "public show of meeting with the EPA."[42]

Endorsements

Rahall was endorsed by the following:[43]

  • AFL-CIO
  • American Federation of Teachers
  • Alliance for Retired Americans
  • Charleston Gazette
  • National Education Association
  • National Rifle Association
  • United Mine Workers of America

Polls

Rahall v. Jenkins
Poll Nick Rahall Evan JenkinsNot SureMargin of ErrorSample Size
Harper Polling
October 7-8, 2014
 44%50%6%+/-3.82657
Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group
May 26-28, 2014
 52%39%9%+/-5403
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to [email protected]
Potential general election match-up
Poll Nick Rahall (D) Evan Jenkins (R)UndecidedMargin of ErrorSample Size
DMF Research
April 22-27, 2014
 48%39%13%+/-5.2400
Garin-Hart-Yang Research
April 15-16, 2014
 52%40%8%+/-5.0400
Tarrance Group
March 3-5, 2014
 40%54%6%+/-4.9405
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to [email protected]


Sabato's Crystal Ball

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, changed West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District from “Toss-Up” to “Leans Republican” in April 2014. Kondik listed the following reasons for the change: the Tarrance Group poll above, the false rumor that Rahall considered retiring, "the overwhelming support voters gave to Mitt Romney in 2012" in the third district and Rahall's inability to separate himself from Obama, who wa largely unpopular in the district.[44]

Media

"Worry," an ad released by House Majority PAC on March 11, 2014, featured a West Virginia coal-mining family warning "we both could get hurt" if Evan Jenkins, wins the race. The ad claimed that Jenkins “vowed to repeal black lung benefits” and “supports letting insurance companies charge women more for healthcare.”[45] FactCheck.org called the claims "bogus" explaining that, although Jenkins has promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act, doing so would not repeal the Federal Black Lung Benefits Program.[46] Jenkins supported repealing and replacing the ACA, but he did not explain how he would replace it. According to Jenkins’ website, "he is firmly opposed to any cuts to the Federal Black Lung Benefit Program."[47] Jenkins’ campaign also explained that he "would support a replacement bill that prohibits gender-based ratings when setting premiums."[46] “The fight comes down to who would better protect the expanded black lung protections that the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., added to the Affordable Care Act,” according to WVGazette.com.[48]

Jenkins responded to "Worry" by releasing his first ad, "Backbone," which attacked Rahall and House Majority PAC for their false claims in the "Worry" ad. After citing Factcheck.org's argument that the claims made by Rahall and HMP were "bogus," the narrator said, "Nick Rahall, a lying politician, just like Obama."[49]

"Worry," and "Backbone" set the tone for the negative ads that West Virginians were bombarded with during the 2014 election season. Attacking "New York billionaires" for telling lies about Rahall's record was the major theme that ran through the pro-Rahall ads. Rahall and House Majority PAC released ads defending Rahall's record on coal and portraying Jenkins as an "outsider" tied to New York money in comparison with Rahall, a native West Virginian. Protecting coal, highlighting how Obamacare hurt West Virginians and making the argument that Rahall hurt the coal industry were the major themes of the pro-Jenkins ads. Jenkins received help from Americans for Prosperity, the American Energy Alliance and the National Republican Congressional Committee who released ads in support of Jenkins.

"Worry” & "Backbone"

House Majority PAC's March 2014 ad, "Evan Jenkins - Worry."
"Evan Jenkins: Backbone."
Rahall
Rahall's April 2014 ad, "Cecil 30."
Rahall's May 2014 ad, "My Home."
Rahall's June 2014 ad, "Bipartisan."
  • In April 2014, Rahall launched an ad featuring Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers Association. In the ad, Roberts accused "billionaires of telling lies about Rahall.”
  • In May and June 2014, Rahall released the ads, "My Home" and "Bipartisan." Each ad chastised "New York billionaires" for telling lies about Rahall's voting record.
Rahall's July 2014 ad, "West Virginians."
Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Ron and Libby."
Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Jackie."
  • Rahall's July 2014 ad once again tied Evan Jenkins to "New York billionaires" and highlighted Jenkins' vote against raising the minimum wage in West Virginia. The narrator said, "Nick Rahall believes that anyone willing to work hard should be paid a decent wage, and that Medicare should never be privatized." The ad failed to acknowledge that Jenkins initially voted for raising the minimum wage on March 7, 2014.[50] Jenkins then voted against a revised version of the bill. On May 21, 2014, Jenkins voted for the final revision of the bill to raise the minimum wage, which Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed into law.[51]
  • Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Ron and Libby," featured coal miner Ron Pauley. Pauley said, "We have a saying in the mines, whose side are you on? We know Nick Joe Rahall is on our side. But Evan Jenkins can’t be trusted. He’s not on the side of the coal miners. He’s on the side of the billionaires.”
  • Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Jackie," accused Evan Jenkins of vowing to take away federal black lung benefits from coal miners. FactCheck.org, wrote that the ad "distorts the facts and misrepresents Jenkins’ position on black lung benefits."[52]
Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Our Way."
Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Preserve."
Rahall's September 2014 ad, "Straightshooter."
  • In "Our Way," Rahall promised to protect coal and once again tied Jenkins to "billionaires."
  • In "Preserve," Rahall highlighted his support for the 2nd Amendment.
  • In "Straightshooter," Sen. Joe Manchin argued that Rahall should be re-elected to Congress.
"Listens" lies

Rahall's June 2014 ad "Listens," attacked Evan Jenkins' stance on Medicare. The ad received “Four Pinocchios” from the Washington Post for misusing a Jenkins' quote and for suggesting that Jenkins wants to raise Medicare premiums on senior citizens. Glenn Kessler of the Washington Post wrote, “It’s really time for Democrats to drop these repeated 'Mediscare' references to a supposed $6,000 increase in premiums. It is so out of date as to be laughable. But even without that claim, the use of Jenkins’ quote about Medicaid to make broad charges about Medicare is a ridiculous and misleading mix-up of policies. The Rahall campaign should be ashamed of this ad.”[53]

"Listens"

Rahall's June 2014 ad, "Listens."


House Majority PAC
See also: House Majority PAC
House Majority PAC's December 2013 ad, "Cannot Change."
House Majority PAC's March 2014 ad, "Nick Rahall - Stick."
House Majority PAC's April 2014 ad, "WV-03: Evan Jenkins - Spill."
  • House Majority PAC as of July 2014 has spent more in West Virginia's 3rd congressional district election than in any other 2014 race.[54]
  • House Majority PAC launched an ad buy on December 10, 2013, for Nick Rahall (D).[55] The ad ran throughout southern West Virginia for ten days and cost approximately $150,000.[55] “Right-wing, Koch Brothers-funded groups are spending big to prop up a two-time party-switcher, but Mountaineers know Nick Rahall is a fighter for southern West Virginia,” said Andy Stone, communications director for House Majority PAC.[55]
  • House Majority PAC released another $65,000 ad buy in March 2014 defending Rahall's record on coal.[56][57] In the ad, a man identified as retired coal miner Rick Ryan attacked “New York billionaires” for paying for attack ads against Rahall.[56] “Nick Rahall isn’t against coal. He saved my job and 500 others when he stopped Washington from closing the Hobet Mine...Those billionaires want you to vote for Evan Jenkins, a man the Gazette called a ‘shill’ for insurance companies,” Ryan said in the ad.[56]
  • House Majority PAC released a $65,000 ad buy in April 2014. "Spill" accused Jenkins of delaying a water safety bill. The ad also tied Jenkins to the Koch bothers.[58]
House Majority PAC's April 2014 ad, "WV-03: Evan Jenkins - 'Counting'."
House Majority PAC, "WV-03: Evan Jenkins - 'Crystal Ball'."
  • House Majority PAC's ads "Counting" and "Crystal Ball" both tied Jenkins to "New York billionaires" once again. Each ad noted that outside groups donated more than $1 million dollars to Jenkins' campaign.
Jenkins
Evan Jenkins' June 2014 ad, "Exist."
Evan Jenkins' August 2014 ad, "Parked."
Evan Jenkins' October 2014 ad, "Bribes."


  • In the ad "Exist," Jenkins promised West Virginians that he will fight Obama's attacks on the coal industry, if he is elected.
  • In the ad, "Parked," Jenkins argued that Rahall has been "parked" in Congress and has not done much to help West Virginians.
  • Jenkins' ad, "Bribes," accused Rahall of "killing coal" and "taking bribes."
Evan Jenkins' October 2014 ad, "Punishing."
  • In the ad, "Punishing," Jenkins attacked Rahall's record on the carbon tax and medicare.
Americans for Prosperity
See also: Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Prosperity's February 2014 ad, "Tell Rep. Rahall to Stop Obamacare."
Americans for Prosperity's ad, "Your Plan Has Been Cancelled."
Americans for Prosperity's April 2014 ad, "Christina's Story: End Rahall's War on Coal."
  • Americans for Prosperity released an April 2014 ad titled, "Christina's Story: End Rahall's War on Coal." In the ad, Christina, the wife of a coal miner who lost his job, said, "Nick Rahall let coal mining families down."
American Energy Alliance
American Energy Alliance's April 2014 ad, "Killing Coal."
American Energy Alliance's June 2014 ad, "Rahall Not Doing Enough."
  • The American Energy Alliance released the TV ad, "Killing Coal," which tied Nick Rahall to "anti-coal extremists." The ad was released on April 1, 2014, and the campaign was backed by a $113,000 buy.[60]
  • The American Energy Alliance released the ad, "Rahall Not Doing Enough," in July 2014. The ad tied Rahall to Obama's energy policies that have hurt West Virginia's coal industry.
NRCC
NRCC's August 2013 ad, "Nick Rahall's Betrayal."
NRCC's September 2014 ad, "Rahall's Record (60)."
  • The National Republican Congressional Committee released an ad in August 2013 that highlighted how Rahall betrayed West Virginians by becoming loyal to Washington D.C., voting for a carbon tax that hurt the coal industry and by attending an event where "environmentalists praised Obama's War on Coal." The ad concluded by directing viewers to the website Rahall for Congress. The site makes the argument that Rahall has joined the "War on Coal."
  • The National Republican Congressional Committee released an ad in September 2014 featuring coal miner Joe McCormick. McCormick said, "When Nick Rahall votes with Barack Obama, that tells me that Nick Rahall don’t really care about Southern West Virginia. He don’t care about us coal miners."
Freedom Partners
Freedom Partners Action Fund's September 2014 ad, "Lifeblood."
Freedom Partners Action Fund's October 2014 ad, "FPAF - Coal Miners."
Counter PAC
CounterPAC: "Who's Pulling Nick Rahall's Strings?"


2012

See also: West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2012

Rahall won re-election in 2012.[61] He was unopposed in the Democratic primary. In the November 6, 2012, general election, he defeated Republican Rick Snuffer.[62]

U.S. House, West Virginia District 3 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngNick Rahall Incumbent 53.5% 102,519
     Republican Rick Snuffer 46.5% 88,999
Total Votes 191,518
Source: West Virginia Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Endorsements

Heading into the primary, Rahall was endorsed by the West Virginia AFL-CIO's Committee on Political Education.[63]

Full history


Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Nick Rahall campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2012U.S. House (West Virginia, District 3)Won $1,359,430 N/A**
Grand total$1,359,430 N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

Congressional Personal Gain Index graphic.png
See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives
Net Worth Metric graphic.png

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Rahall's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $2,220,593 to $3,331,582. That averages to $2,776,087.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic House members in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Rahall ranked as the 117th most wealthy representative in 2012.[82] Between 2004 and 2012, Rahall's calculated net worth[83] decreased by an average of 6 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[84]

Nick Rahall Yearly Net Worth
YearAverage Net Worth
2004$5,217,315
2012$2,776,087
Growth from 2004 to 2012:−47%
Average annual growth:−6%[85]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[86]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Rahall received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Transportation Unions industry. Comparatively, the top industry employer in West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District was Educational services, and health care and social assistance, according to a 2012 U.S. Census survey.[87]

From 1989-2014, 24.82 percent of Rahall's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[88]

Donation Concentration Metric graphic.png
Nick Rahall Campaign Contributions
Total Raised $10,046,266
Total Spent $9,303,659
Top industry in the districtEducational services, and health care and social assistance
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Transportation Unions$863,550
Air Transport$462,507
Lawyers/Law Firms$415,019
Public Sector Unions$378,825
Industrial Unions$373,750
% total in top industry8.6%
% total in top two industries13.2%
% total in top five industries24.82%

Analysis

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she voted most and least often. The results included a member from each party.[89]

Rahall most often voted with:

Rahall least often voted with:


Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Rahall was a "centrist Democrat," as of July 21, 2014.[90] This was the same rating Rahall received in June 2013.[91]

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Rahall missed 755 of 22,606 roll call votes from January 1977 to July 2014. This amounted to 3.3 percent, which was worse than the median of 2.5 percent among congressional representatives as of July 2014.[92]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Rahall paid his congressional staff a total of $1,134,011 in 2011. Overall, West Virginia ranked 33rd in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[93]

Staff bonuses

According to an analysis by CNN, Rahall was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Rahall's staff was given an apparent $14,500.00 in bonus money.[94]

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Rahall ranked 192nd in the liberal rankings in 2013.[95]

2012

Rahall ranked 151st in the liberal rankings in 2012.[96]

2011

Rahall was one of two members of congress who ranked 174th in the liberal rankings in 2011.[97]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Rahall voted with the Democratic Party 79.5 percent of the time, which ranked 187th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.[98]

2013

Rahall voted with the Democratic Party 93.5 percent of the time, which ranked 191st among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[99]

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Rahall and his wife, Melinda, have three children and three grandchildren.[2]

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term "Nick + Rahall + West + Virginia + Congress"

Nick Rahall News Feed

See also

External links


Footnotes

  1. ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Nick Joe Rahall II," accessed November 18, 2011
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Biographical Directory of U.S. Congress, "Rahall," accessed June 26, 2013 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "bio" defined multiple times with different content
  3. ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
  4. ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, "Committee assignments," accessed March 31, 2014
  5. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
  6. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
  7. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  8. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 2217 - DHS Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  9. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 69 - Requires Threat Assessment of Pipeline Vulnerabilities to a Terrorist Attack - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  10. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  11. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 2642 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 - Voting Record," accessed October 14, 2013
  12. ↑ New York Times, "House Republicans push through Farm Bill, without food stamps," accessed September 17, 2013
  13. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  14. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government shutdown: How we got here," accessed October 1, 2013
  15. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  16. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  17. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  18. ↑ LA Times, "GOP rejects Dream Act-like deportation deferrals," accessed June 10, 2013
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 U.S. House, "Final Vote Results," accessed June 10, 2013
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Huffington Post, "Steve King Amendment passes House to deport more dreamers," accessed June 10, 2013
  21. ↑ Fox News, "House votes to resume deporting young DREAM Act immigrants," accessed June 10, 2013
  22. ↑ Huffington Post, "Steve King's Amendment to the Immigration Bill worsens the GOP's Latino problem," accessed June 10, 2013
  23. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
  24. ↑ THOMAS (Library of Congress), "H.R. 1797," accessed June 23, 2013
  25. ↑ CNN, "House passes late term abortion ban," accessed June 20, 2013
  26. ↑ U.S. House, "June 18 Roll Call Vote," accessed June 20, 2013
  27. ↑ Politico, "House OKs 20-week abortion ban bill," accessed June 20, 2013
  28. ↑ U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
  29. ↑ Nick Rahall for Congress, "Issues," accessed April 15, 2014
  30. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  31. ↑ Washington Post, "Congressional earmarks sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers' properties," February 6, 2012
  32. ↑ Washington Post, "Mapping the earmarks," February 6, 2012
  33. ↑ The Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2014 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," accessed November 5, 2013
  34. ↑ FairVote, "FairVote Releases Projections for the 2014 Congressional Elections," accessed November 5, 2013
  35. ↑ Roll Call, "2014 Election Race Ratings," accessed June 24, 2014
  36. ↑ Associated Press, "West Virginia - Summary Vote Results," May 13, 2014
  37. ↑ The Hill, "NRCC, promising to 'stay on offense,' targets seven Dems," accessed January 16, 2013
  38. ↑ FairVote, "NRCC targets foreshadow power of partisanship in 2014 elections," January 18, 2013
  39. ↑ Roll Call, "DCCC adds Nick Rahall to incumbent protection program," accessed March 11, 2014
  40. ↑ Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, "DCCC Chairman Steve Israel Announces 2013-2014 Frontline Members," accessed March 5, 2013
  41. ↑ Logan Banner, "Rahall denies he considered retirement," accessed April 8, 2014
  42. ↑ Politico, "Nick Rahall under fire ahead of rules on power plants," accessed September 16, 2013
  43. ↑ NickRahall.com, "Testimonials," accessed October 23, 2014
  44. ↑ Metro News, "Sabato’s Crystal Ball goes to ‘leans Republican’ for Rahall-Jenkins," April 10, 2014
  45. ↑ YouTube.com, "WV-03: Evan Jenkins - ‘Worry'," accessed March 28, 2014
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 FactCheck.org, "Bogus attack in coal mine country," accessed March 28, 2014
  47. ↑ Evan Jenkins for Congress, "Coal," accessed March 31, 2014
  48. ↑ W.V. Gazette, "Ad sparks dispute between Rahall, Jenkins camps," accessed March 26, 2014 (dead link)
  49. ↑ Roll Call, “Republican hits vulnerable West Virginia Democrat in first TV spot,” accessed April 17, 2014
  50. ↑ West Virginia Legislature, "#HB4283," accessed July 28, 2014
  51. ↑ Washington Times, "W.Va. lawmakers OK restoring social services funds," accessed July 29, 2014
  52. ↑ FactCheck.org, "Doubling Down in West Virginia," accessed October 17, 2014
  53. ↑ The Washington Post, "Four Pinocchios for yet another Democrat ‘Mediscare’ ad," June 20, 2014
  54. ↑ Brennan Center, "Dark Money Groups Dominate Independent Spending in House Toss-Up Races", July 30, 2014
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 The House Majority PAC, "House Majority PAC To Air WV-03 Ad," accessed December 11, 2013
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 The Hill, "Super-PAC defends Rahall on coal," accessed March 11, 2014
  57. ↑ National Journal, "Election day in FL-13; House majority PAC defends Rahall in WV-03; Crist Outraised Scott in Feb.," accessed March 11, 2014
  58. ↑ The Hill, "Dem super-PAC knocks Rahall opponent on chemical spill," April 8, 2014
  59. ↑ Politico, "Obama commits to at least 18 Democratic fundraisers—Jindal warns of ‘modern left’ at Reagan Library—FL-13 polls show Sink in the lead—Friday standings—Beyer gets a new endorsement in VA-08," accessed February 11, 2014
  60. ↑ National Journal, "ACA enrollment surpasses 7M; AEA goes after Begich, Rahall on coal; Gray loses D.C. mayoral primary," accessed April 2, 2014
  61. ↑ Washington Post: The Fix, "Romney and Santorum demonstrate hugely different bases of support," January 4, 2012
  62. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map," accessed November 6, 2012
  63. ↑ Herald-Dispatch, "W.Va. candidates receive endorsements," March 8, 2012
  64. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  65. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  66. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  67. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
  68. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
  69. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
  70. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998," accessed March 28, 2013
  71. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996," accessed March 28, 2013
  72. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 8, 1994," accessed March 28, 2013
  73. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1992," accessed March 28, 2013
  74. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 1990," accessed March 28, 2013
  75. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 8, 1988," accessed March 28, 2013
  76. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 1986," accessed March 28, 2013
  77. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 1984," accessed March 28, 2013
  78. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 1982," accessed March 28, 2013
  79. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 1980," accessed March 28, 2013
  80. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 1978," accessed March 28, 2013
  81. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 1976," accessed March 28, 2013
  82. ↑ OpenSecrets, "Rahall, 2012," accessed January 14, 2014
  83. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).
  84. ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
  85. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
  86. ↑ This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
  87. ↑ Census.gov, "My Congressional District," accessed September 29, 2014
  88. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Nick Rahall," accessed September 29, 2014
  89. ↑ OpenCongress, "Nick Rahall," archived March 5, 2016
  90. ↑ GovTrack, "Nick Rahall," accessed July 21, 2014
  91. ↑ GovTrack, "Nick Rahall," accessed June 26, 2013
  92. ↑ GovTrack, "Rahall," accessed July 21, 2014
  93. ↑ LegiStorm, "Nick Rahall," accessed September 7, 2012
  94. ↑ CNN Politics, "Congressional bonuses in a time of cuts," accessed March 8, 2013
  95. ↑ National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," July 21, 2014
  96. ↑ National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," February 28, 2013
  97. ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
  98. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
  99. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
Political offices
Preceded by
Bob Wise 		U.S. House of Representatives - West Virginia, 3rd District
1993-2015 		Succeeded by
Evan Jenkins
Preceded by
Ken Hechler 		U.S. House of Representatives - West Virginia, 4th District
1977-1993 		Succeeded by
District 4 eliminated
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