Joe Heck

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Joe Heck
Image of Joe Heck

Republican Party

Prior offices
Nevada State Senate District 5
U.S. House Nevada District 3
Successor: Jacky Rosen
Predecessor: Dina Titus

Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $305,004.50

Elections and appointments
Last election

November 8, 2016

Education

Bachelor's

Penn State University

Graduate

U.S. Army War College

Medical

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army Reserve

Personal
Religion
Christian: Catholic
Profession
Osteopathic Physician

Joseph John "Joe" Heck (b. October 30, 1961, in Queens, NY) is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Nevada. Heck represented Nevada's 3rd Congressional District from 2011 to 2017.

Heck was a 2016 Republican candidate who sought election to the U.S. Senate from Nevada. He was defeated by Catherine Cortez Masto (D) in the general election.

Heck has been in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1991. He has been called to active duty three times, including a deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom.[1][2]

Biography

Email [email protected] to notify us of updates to this biography.

Heck was born in Queens, New York. He earned a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in 1984 and his Doctor's of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988. He earned a Master's of Strategic Studies (M.S.S.) at the U.S. Army War College in 2006.[1]

Heck worked as a physician and as the president and medical director of Specialized Medical Operations, Inc. He has taught classes at Touro University, the Community College of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada School of Medicine.[1]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Heck's academic, professional, and political career:[1][2]

  • 2011-2017: U.S. Representative from Nevada's 3rd Congressional District
  • 1991-2017: Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve
  • 2004-2008: Member of the Nevada State Senate
  • 1998-2003: Professor at the Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
  • 1988: Earned D.O. from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
  • 1984: Earned B.S. in health education from Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2015-2016

Heck served on the following committees:[3]

2013-2014

Heck served on the following committees:[4]

2011-2012

Heck served on the following committees:[5]

Key votes

114th Congress

CongressLogo.png

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[6][7] For more information pertaining to Heck's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[8]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015
See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
Nay3.png On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Heck was one of 158 Republicans to vote against TAA.[9][10]
Trade promotion authority
Yea3.png On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Heck was one of 191 Republicans to support the measure.[11][12]
Trade promotion authority second vote
Yea3.png After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining their original positions on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Heck was one of 190 Republicans to vote in favor of the amendment.[13][14]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
Nay3.png The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Heck was one of 132 Republicans to vote against HR 1295.[15][16]

Defense spending authorization

Yea3.png On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Heck voted with 227 other Republicans and 41 Democrats to approve the bill.[17] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[18]

Yea3.png On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[19][20] Heck voted with 234 other Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[21] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[22]

2016 Budget proposal

Yea3.png On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Heck voted with 225 other Republicans to approve the bill.[23][24][25]

2015 budget

Nay3.png On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[26] Heck voted with 166 Republicans against the bill.[27] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[28] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal
See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

Yea3.png On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Heck voted with 222 other Republican representatives to approve the bill.[29][30]


Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Nay3.png On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Heck voted with 243 Republicans and 25 Democrats against the bill.[31][32]


Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
Yea3.png On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Heck voted with 244 Republicans and two Democrats for the bill.[33][34]


Presidential non-compliance of section 2
Yea3.png On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Heck voted with 244 Republicans for the resolution.[35][36]

Export-Import Bank

Nay3.png On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[37] Heck voted with 116 Republicans and one Democrat against the bill.[38]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Heck voted with 195 Republicans and 142 Democrats to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[39][40]

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Yea3.png On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Heck voted with 237 Republicans in favor of the bill.[41][42]

Cyber security

Yea3.png On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[43] Heck voted with 219 Republicans and 135 Democrats to approve the bill.[44]

Yea3.png On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[45] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Heck voted with 201 Republicans and 105 Democrats in favor of the bill.[46]

Immigration

Yea3.png On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[47] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Heck voted with 241 Republicans and 47 Democrats in favor of the bill.[48]

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.[49] For more information pertaining to Heck's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[50]

National security

NDAA

Yea3.png Heck supported 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.[51]

DHS Appropriations

Yea3.png Heck supported HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[51]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Nay3.pngHeck opposed 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.[51]

CISPA (2013)

Yea3.png Heck supported 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.[52] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[51]

Economy

Paul Ryan Budget Proposal

Nay3.png In March 2013 the Republican controlled House passed the budget proposal set out by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan (R) for the third straight year.[53] However, not all Republican representatives voted in favor of the proposal.[53] Heck was one of the 10 Republican Representatives who voted against Ryan's budget proposal.[53]

The proposal was killed after being voted down in the U.S. Senate with a 40-59 vote.[54]

The proposal would have cut about $5 trillion over the next decade and aimed to balance the budget by the end of the 10-year period.[53] The 2013 bill had opposition from 10 Republicans — the same number that voted against it in 2012. In 2011 only four Republicans cast a vote in opposition.[53] Democrats have unanimously voted against the bill every year.[53]

Farm Bill

See also: United States Farm Bill 2013

Yea3.png Heck supported the Farm Bill on July 11, 2013. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.[55] The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps.[56]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Yea3.png On 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.[57] 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.[58] Heck voted to support the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[57]

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.[59] 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. Heck voted for HR 2775.[60]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Yea3.png Heck supported House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[61] The vote largely followed party lines.[62]

Healthcare

Repealing Obamacare

Yea3.png Heck has supported all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[63]

Social issues

Abortion

Yea3.png Heck supported HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[64]

Government affairs

HR 676

See also: Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

Yea3.png On July 30, 2014, the U.S. House approved a resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. Five Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Broun of Georgia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Steve Stockman of Texas—voted with Democrats against the lawsuit.[65] Heck joined the other 224 Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.[66][67]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

Yea3.png Heck 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 1 of 85 Republicans that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257-167 vote on January 1, 2013.[68]


Issues

American intervention in Syria

See also: United States involvement in Syria

Heck signed a letter asking President Obama to "consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria." The letter was sent August 28, 2013.[69]

Poll on 2013 immigration plan

Several Republican members of the U.S. House may have faced a tougher path to re-election in 2014 because the Gang of Eight's immigration bill did not pass in the House in 2013, according to a Public Policy Poll released in July 2013.[70]

According to the poll, a majority of voters in seven Republican congressional districts said they were less likely to vote for their representative if he or she failed to support the plan. Public Policy Polling described the bill to respondents, saying that it would "secure our borders, block employers from hiring undocumented immigrants, and make sure that undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. with no criminal record register for legal status. If a long list of requirements is met over more than a decade, it provides eligibility for a path to citizenship."[71]

Heck represented one of those seven districts. Voters also reported in the poll that they were less likely to support Republican candidates in the 2014 general election if the Republican House members blocked this immigration proposal.[70] Voters in all seven districts had at least 61 percent support for the Senate’s immigration plan.[70]

Presidential preference

2016

See also: Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump and Republican reactions to 2005 Trump tape
  • On October 8, 2016, Heck withdrew his support for Trump after The Washington Post released a 2005 video of Trump making comments about women that were described as "extremely lewd."[72] Heck said that he would not vote for Trump or for Clinton. He also asked Trump to withdraw from the race. His full statement appears below:
“ I’ve spent much of my life serving in the military where I stood beside some of the bravest men and women this country has to offer — willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms upon which this country was founded. They live by a code of honor, of decency and of respect.

As a husband and a father, I strive to bring that same code of honor into my personal life.

I believe any candidate for President of the United States should campaign with common ethical and moral values and decency. I accept that none of us are perfect. However, I can no longer look past this pattern of behavior and inappropriate comments from Donald Trump. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, continue to support him nor can I vote for Hillary Clinton.

My wife, my daughters, my mother, my sister and all women deserve better. The American people deserve better.

Our campaign will move forward, and continue to be based on the core principles of the Republican Party, the need for conservative leadership and the requirement that all people be treated with respect and dignity.

My hope is that this will not divide us and that we can unite behind Republican principles. We deserve a candidate who can ask him or herself at the end of the day, 'Did I live my life with honor and do I deserve to be elected president of the United States.'

I believe our only option is to formally ask Mr. Trump to step down and allow Republicans the opportunity to elect someone who will provide us with the strong leadership so desperately needed and one that Americans deserve.

Today, I stand here disappointed in our choices for president but more committed than ever to bringing that same code of honor, decency and respect to the United States Senate.[73]

”
—Rep. Joe Heck[74]
  • On May 3, 2016, Heck said that he planned to support the Republican Party’s nominee. He added, “Post-convention, you know, folks will come together and concentrate on what's important, which is the November election. That's where we are focused. We have a campaign plan that will carry us through November and that's what we're sticking with.”[75] He did not mention Donald Trump in his statement.


2012

See also: Endorsements by state officials of presidential candidates in the 2012 election

Joe Heck endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.[76]

Elections

2016

U.S. Senate race in Nevada

See also: United States Senate election in Nevada, 2016

The race for Nevada's open U.S. Senate seat was one of Ballotpedia's nine competitive battleground races in 2016. Former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto (D) defeated U.S. Rep. Joe Heck (R), a doctor and brigadier general in the Army Reserve who served in Iraq, and four third-party candidates in the general election to win retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid’s (D) seat. Her victory on November 8, 2016, made her the first-ever Latina elected to the United States Senate.[77][78][79]

Reid’s seat was the Republican Party’s only chance to pick up a Senate seat this cycle. Cortez Masto’s biggest ally was Reid, who used his get out the vote resources to make sure his seat stayed under Democratic control. Reid and outside groups heavily influenced the race and were partially responsible for the negative tone and numerous attack ads. According to USA Today, “The race was anything but cordial. Outside money flooded the state bringing the total spending to nearly $100 million. All that cash washed away nearly any real policy discussion, as attacks flew claiming Cortez Masto was incompetent and corrupt while Heck was a stooge for the billionaire Koch Brothers.”[80]

In her victory speech, Cortez Masto commented on her status as the first Latina elected to the Senate, saying, "It's not just about making history. Don't you think it is about time that we had diversity in the U.S. Senate? Don't you think it's about time that our government mirrors the people we serve every day?"[81]

U.S. Senate, Nevada General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngCatherine Cortez Masto 47.1% 521,994
     Republican Joe Heck 44.7% 495,079
     N/A None of these candidates 3.8% 42,257
     Independent American Tom Jones 1.5% 17,128
     Independent Thomas Sawyer 1.3% 14,208
     Independent Tony Gumina 1% 10,740
     Independent Jarrod Williams 0.6% 6,888
Total Votes 1,108,294
Source: Nevada Secretary of State


U.S. Senate, Nevada Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJoe Heck 64.9% 74,524
Sharron Angle 22.8% 26,146
None of these candidates 3.4% 3,903
Tom Heck 3.1% 3,567
Eddie Hamilton 1.8% 2,057
D'Nese Davis 1.7% 1,938
Bill Tarbell 1% 1,179
Robert Leeds 0.6% 662
Juston Preble 0.5% 582
Carlo Poliak 0.2% 279
Total Votes 114,837
Source: Nevada Secretary of State
U.S. Senate, Nevada Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngCatherine Cortez Masto 80.6% 81,971
Allen Rheinhart 5.6% 5,650
None of these candidates 5.4% 5,501
Liddo O'Briant 4.8% 4,842
Bobby Mahendra 3.7% 3,764
Total Votes 101,728
Source: Nevada Secretary of State

Nevada's 3rd Congressional District

See also: Nevada's 3rd Congressional District election, 2016

Nevada's 3rd Congressional District was a battleground district in 2016. Republican incumbent Joe Heck, who began serving in Congress in 2010, chose to seek election to the Senate in 2016, leaving the seat open. Jacky Rosen (D) defeated Danny Tarkanian (R), David Goossen (Independent), and Warren Markowitz (Independent American) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Rosen defeated five other Democrats to win the primary, while Tarkanian defeated six primary opponents. The primary elections took place on June 14, 2016.[82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][79]

U.S. House, Nevada District 3 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngJacky Rosen 47.2% 146,869
     Republican Danny Tarkanian 46% 142,926
     Independent American Warren Markowitz 3.7% 11,602
     Independent David Goossen 3.1% 9,566
Total Votes 310,963
Source: Nevada Secretary of State


U.S. House, Nevada District 3 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngDanny Tarkanian 32% 9,002
Michael Roberson 24% 6,759
Michele Fiore 18.2% 5,124
Andy Matthews 14.1% 3,975
Kerry Bowers 5.6% 1,569
Annette Teijeiro 4.7% 1,336
Sami Khal 1.4% 381
Total Votes 28,146
Source: Nevada Secretary of State
U.S. House, Nevada District 3 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJacky Rosen 62.2% 14,221
Jesse Sbaih 12.8% 2,928
Barry Michaels 9.7% 2,219
Steven Schiffman 5.4% 1,237
Alex Singer 5.3% 1,208
Neil Waite 4.6% 1,055
Total Votes 22,868
Source: Nevada Secretary of State

2014

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

The 3rd Congressional District of Nevada held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Joe Heck (R) defeated Erin Bilbray (D), Randy Kimmick (L), David Goossen (I) and Steven St John (I) in the general election. Bilbray defeated Zachary Campbell in the Democratic primary on June 10, 2014, while the other candidates ran unopposed or did not run in the primary.

Nevada's 3rd was considered a battleground district in 2014. Heck had only been in office since 2011, and although he won re-election in 2012 with a 7.5 percent margin of victory, the district voted Democratic in the 2012 presidential election. President Barack Obama won the district by just 0.8 percent.

U.S. House, Nevada District 3 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJoe Heck Incumbent 60.8% 88,528
     Democratic Erin Bilbray 36.1% 52,644
     Libertarian Randy Kimmick 1.1% 1,566
     Independent David Goossen 1.1% 1,637
     Independent Steven St John 0.9% 1,344
Total Votes 145,719
Source: Nevada Secretary of State

Race background

Heck was a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Patriot Program. The program was designed to assist vulnerable Republican incumbents heading into the 2014 election.[93]

Endorsements

Heck received the following endorsements for his 2014 re-election campaign:

2012

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

Heck won re-election in 2012. He defeated Chris Dyer in the Republican primary on June 12, 2012. After the election, the Sunlight Foundation listed four races where satellite spending likely pushed the winner over the top. Heck was listed as one of the four, spurred on by more than $2 million in spending by independent groups, including the American Action Network and the National Republican Campaign Committee.[95][96]

U.S. House, Nevada District 3 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic John Oceguera 42.9% 116,823
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJoe Heck Incumbent 50.4% 137,244
     Independent American Party of Nevada Tom Jones 2.1% 5,600
     Independent Jim Murphy 4.7% 12,856
Total Votes 272,523
Source: Nevada Secretary of State "U.S. House of Representatives Results"
U.S House, Nevada District 3 Republican Primary, 2012
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJoe Heck Incumbent 90.1% 20,798
Chris Dyer 9.9% 2,298
Total Votes 23,096

Full history


Campaign themes

2014

Heck listed the following issues on his campaign website:[98]

“
  • Healthcare: Joe Heck is fighting for a better alternative. Joe Heck’s solution supports Nevada’s families by protecting the patient-physician relationship and reducing health care costs. Joe Heck is working to protect Medicare for Nevada’s seniors and preserve it for future generations.
  • Jobs and the Economy: Joe Heck’s plan to fast track the tourist visa process will bring much needed economic growth to Southern Nevada and help businesses open and put Nevada men and women back to work.
  • Government Spending: Joe Heck has pushed for an audit of the Federal Reserve and for a vote on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
  • Energy: Joe Heck also supports efforts to develop alternate sources of energy like wind, solar, geothermal and hydro power as part of a long range solution to the energy crisis. Joe Heck successfully sponsored the Hoover Power Act to ensure a supply of low cost, renewable energy from Hoover Dam for 50 years.
  • Housing: He has supported programs that help homeowners who are underwater and introduced legislation to give folks who lost a home to foreclosure a second chance at homeownership and the American dream. Joe is an independent voice in gridlocked Washington who puts the interests of Nevada families and homeowners first.
  • Excessive Regulations: Joe Heck supported efforts to stop new government regulations during this time of scarce jobs and high unemployment. Joe Heck also supported efforts restricting the ability of unelected bureaucrats to impose regulations on Nevadans that could cost jobs.
  • Protecting Veterans: Dr. Heck believes the benefits of every service member who has sacrificed for his or her country must be safeguarded. Joe Heck believes we have a responsibility to deliver on the promises made to those who have volunteered to serve our country.

[73]

”
—Joe Heck, Campaign website (archive)

2012

Healthcare

Heck indicated that he would work to repeal, repair and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[99] His priorities included protecting the patient-physician relationship, reducing health care costs, working to protect Medicare for Nevada’s seniors and preserving it for future generations.[98]

Economy

Heck indicated that he had a plan to fast track tourist visas to boost the tourist industry in Southern Nevada.[98] He noted his opposition to government tax burdens and red tape on the private sector.[99]

Government Spending

Heck supported an audit of the Federal Reserve and a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.[98]

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.

Joe Heck campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2014U.S. House (Nevada, District 3)Won $2,484,963 N/A**
2012U.S. House Nevada District 3Won $2,423,277 N/A**
2010U.S. House Nevada District 3Won $1,537,856 N/A**
Grand total$6,446,096 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 availabale 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, Heck's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $99,010 and $510,999. That averages to $305,004.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. Heck ranked as the 315th most wealthy representative in 2012.[100] Between 2009 and 2012, Heck's calculated net worth[101] decreased by an average of 5 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[102]

Joe Heck Yearly Net Worth
YearAverage Net Worth
2009$363,332
2012$305,004
Growth from 2009 to 2012:−16%
Average annual growth:−5%[103]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[104]

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). Heck received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Health Professionals industry.

From 2009-2014, 37.8 percent of Heck's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[105]

Donation Concentration Metric graphic.png
Joe Heck Campaign Contributions
Total Raised $5,831,371
Total Spent $4,370,524
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals$819,471
Leadership PACs$454,071
Casinos/Gambling$411,862
Retired$292,812
Real Estate$225,866
% total in top industry14.05%
% total in top two industries21.84%
% total in top five industries37.8%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

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

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Heck was a rank-and-file Republican as of July 2014.[106] This was the same rating Heck received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[107]

Heck most often voted with:

Heck least often voted with:


Lifetime voting record

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

According to the website GovTrack, Heck missed 32 of 3,358 roll call votes from January 2011 to September 2015. This amounted to 1 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[106]

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Heck paid his congressional staff a total of $723,063 in 2011. Overall, Nevada ranked 50th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[108]

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

Heck ranked 207th in the conservative rankings in 2013.[109]

2012

Heck ranked 159th in the conservative rankings in 2012.[110]

2011

Heck ranked 215th in the conservative rankings in 2011.[111]

Voting with party

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

2014

Heck voted with the Republican Party 92.2 percent of the time, which ranked 181st among the 234 House Republican members as of July 2014.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

2013

Heck voted with the Republican Party 93.5 percent of the time, which ranked 186th among the 234 House Republican members as of June 2013.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Joe Heck Nevada Senate. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Joe Heck - Google News

See also

External links


Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "HECK, Joe, (1961 - )," accessed October 13, 2014
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Congressman Joe Heck, Proudly Representing the 3rd District of Nevada, "Full Biography," accessed November 14, 2011
  3. ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 18, 2015
  4. ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed January 23, 2013
  5. ↑ Congressman Joe Heck, Proudly Representing the 3rd District of Nevada, "Committees and Caucuses," accessed November 14, 2011
  6. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
  7. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
  8. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
  9. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
  10. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
  11. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
  12. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
  13. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
  14. ↑ Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
  15. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
  16. ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
  17. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
  18. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
  19. ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
  20. ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
  21. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
  22. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
  23. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
  24. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
  25. ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
  26. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
  27. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
  28. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
  29. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
  30. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
  31. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
  32. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
  33. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
  34. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
  35. ↑ Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
  36. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
  37. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
  38. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
  39. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
  40. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
  41. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
  42. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
  43. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
  44. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
  45. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
  46. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
  47. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
  48. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
  49. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
  50. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 Project Vote Smart, "Representative Joe Heck's Voting Records on National Security," accessed September 29, 2013
  52. ↑ The Library of Congress, "Bill Summary & Status - 113th Congress (2013 - 2014) - H.R.624," accessed August 27, 2013
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 Washington Post, "10 House Republicans Vote Against Ryan Budget," accessed March 22, 2013
  54. ↑ CBS News, "Senate Rejects Paul Ryan Budget," accessed March 22, 2013
  55. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Heck on agriculture," accessed September 29, 2013
  56. ↑ New York Times, "House Republicans Push Through Farm Bill, Without Food Stamps," accessed September 17, 2013
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  58. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
  59. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  60. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  61. ↑ The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed August 28, 2013
  62. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Representative Joe Heck's Voting Records on Immigration," accessed September 29, 2013
  63. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Representative Joe Heck's Voting Records on Issue: Health and Healthcare," accessed September 29, 2013
  64. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Heck on abortion," accessed September 29, 2013
  65. ↑ U.S. House, "House Resolution 676," accessed July 30, 2014
  66. ↑ Associated Press, "Suing Obama: GOP-led House gives the go-ahead," July 31, 2014
  67. ↑ Washington Post, "House clears way for lawsuit against Obama," accessed July 30, 2014
  68. ↑ U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
  69. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Heck's Political Summary," accessed September 16, 2013
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 Politico, "7 GOPers who need immigration vote," accessed July 9, 2013
  71. ↑ Public Policy Polling, "House Republicans Could Face Voter Backlash if Immigration Reform Stalls," July 9, 2013
  72. ↑ The Washington Post, "Trump recorded having extremely lewd conversation about women in 2005," October 8, 2016
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  74. ↑ Dr. Joe Heck for U.S. Senate, "Dr. Heck remarks on Donald Trump," accessed October 9, 2016
  75. ↑ Las Vegas Sun, "Sandoval, other top Nevada Republicans plan to vote for Trump," accessed May 6, 2016
  76. ↑ The Hill, "2012 GOP Lawmaker Endorsements for President," accessed November 23, 2011
  77. ↑ Time, "Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada Is U.S. Senate’s First Latina," accessed November 14, 2016
  78. ↑ Nevada Secretary of State, "2016 Filed Non-Judicial Candidates," accessed March 19, 2016
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 Nevada Secretary of State, "2016 Master Statewide Certified List of Candidates," accessed September 7, 2016
  80. ↑ USA Today, "Nevada voters send first Latina to U.S. Senate," accessed November 14, 2016
  81. ↑ McClatchy DC, "Nevada's Cortez Masto breaks barrier as 1st Latina in Senate," accessed November 14, 2016
  82. ↑ Clark County Election Department, "Candidate Filing in Clark County," accessed March 19, 2016
  83. ↑ AP, "Republican State Sen. Michael Roberson running for Congress," July 8, 2015
  84. ↑ Reno Gazette-Journal, "Nevada's Tarkanian announces bid for Congress," July 13, 2015
  85. ↑ Las Vegas Sun, "President of conservative think tank NPRI joins House race," July 20, 2015
  86. ↑ CBS Las Vegas, "4 GOP Candidates In 3rd District," July 20, 2015
  87. ↑ Twitter, "Michelle Rindels," August 10, 2015
  88. ↑ Ballotpedia Staff, "Email correspondence with Barry Michaels," January 19, 2016
  89. ↑ Ballotpedia Staff, "Email correspondence with Steven St John," January 3, 2016
  90. ↑ Associated Press, "Democrat Jacky Rosen launches bid for Rep. Heck's House seat," January 26, 2016
  91. ↑ Ballotpedia Staff, "Email correspondence with Ballotpedia staff," March 5, 2016
  92. ↑ The New York Times, "Nevada Primary Results," June 14, 2016
  93. ↑ The Washington Post, "11 House Republicans named to incumbent-protection program," accessed April 22, 2013
  94. ↑ The Washington Post, "Mitt Romney returns to political stage as Republicans prepare for midterms," accessed May 27, 2014
  95. ↑ Sunlight Foundation, "Four House races where outside money may have pushed the needle," accessed November 7, 2012
  96. ↑ Nevada Secretary of State, "U.S. House of Representatives," accessed September 25, 2012
  97. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 98.2 98.3 Joe Heck for Congress, "Issues," accessed October 2, 2014 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "issues" defined multiple times with different content
  99. ↑ 99.0 99.1 Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Cold Shoulders Clash in Heck, Oceguera Congressional Debate," accessed October 12, 2012
  100. ↑ Open Secrets, "Joe Heck (R-NV), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014
  101. ↑ This figure represents the average annual percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or their first year in office (as noted in the chart below) to 2012, divided by the number of years calculated.
  102. ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
  103. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
  104. ↑ 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.
  105. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Joe Heck," accessed September 25, 2014
  106. ↑ 106.0 106.1 GovTrack, "Joe Heck," accessed July 30, 2014
  107. ↑ OpenCongress, "Joe Heck," archived February 25, 2016
  108. ↑ LegiStorm, "Joe Heck," accessed October 8, 2012
  109. ↑ National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 30, 2014
  110. ↑ National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed March 5, 2013
  111. ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
Political offices
Preceded by
Dina Titus 		U.S. House of Representatives - Nevada, District 3
2011-2017 		Succeeded by
Jacky Rosen (D)
Preceded by
Ann O'Connell 		Nevada State Senate - Clark 5 District
2004-2008 		Succeeded by
Shirley Breeden


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Jacky Rosen (D)
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