Larry Crouse
Party: Republican
Age: 59
Personal: Larry Crouse has been married to Peggy for 38 years. They have twin daughters, Lisa and Leah.
Education: Crouse graduated from O'Dea High School.
Professional: He worked for Kaiser Aluminum for about 20 years, 13 years as a machinist and seven years as a manager.
Political: Crouse was first elected to the state House in 1994. He's the ranking Republican on the technology, telecommunications and energy committee. He serves on the commerce and labor committee and was appointed to the select committee on pension policy.
Key issues: Economy. "Our economy is in need," Crouse said. "It's slowly coming back. ... We need to do things as a state that would do more to encourage job growth." Efficiencies of government. "We have an awful lot of taxpayer money, and I don't think we spend all of it responsibly," Crouse said.
Money raised/spent: $15,665 raised, $7,358 spent, as of Aug. 17, 2004
Top contributors: Physicians Insurance (of Seattle), Realtors PAC (of Olympia), Washington Self Insurers Association (of Olympia), Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. (of Olympia), Broadband Communication Association (of Seattle), Capitol One Services Inc., (of Richmond), Philip Morris USA (of Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
Quote: "A lot of people truly need state assistance," Crouse said. "They need help. ... We have to make sure we do it properly and efficiently."
Key influence: Personally, Jesus Christ.
Favorite book: The Bible
First priority if elected: The economy and making government run more efficiently, as well as helping people with disabilities and other needs. Crouse wants to make sure funds for social programs are being used properly and that people in need are getting help.
