July 13, 2010, Washington D.C. – PAAIA and its connected PAC, the Iranian American Political Action Committee, recently had the opportunity to speak with Shahram Hadian (R) and discuss his campaign for Washington State House of Representatives in the 44th District, Position 1. The Washington House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Washington State Legislature and is composed of 98 Representatives from 49 districts, each of which elects two members. If successful, Hadian would be the first Iranian American elected to the Washington State Legislature.

Click here for more information on Shahram Hadian’s campaign.

Hadian was born in Iran, and moved to the US at the age of seven. He has lived in the Pacific Northwest region for the past 28 years. He graduated from Puget Sound Christian College with a B.A. in Biblical studies, and has served his local community as a pastor for the last 8 years. He also graduated from the Washington Law Enforcement Academy and served as a Police Officer for the City of Redmond. Hadian’s passion for education has grown through his personal work as a teacher both in a school setting and as a tennis professional, and through his wife’s experience as a local second grade teacher.

Hadian considers himself a strong conservative leader and an independent thinker. His campaign’s top priorities include: job creation, supporting small businesses, prioritizing education, smaller government, creating safer communities, and increasing civic involvement.

Hadian’s campaign has been gaining momentum with recent endorsements from the Snohomish County Republican Party, Washington State Farm Bureau Political Action Committee, as well as a number of county and state elected officials.

Hadian will face incumbent Hans Dunshee (D) and Bob McCaughan (R) in the August 17, 2010 primary. The two candidates who garner the highest total number of votes advance to the general election in November.
 

The following is a transcript of the PAAIA/IAPAC interview with Mr. Hadian:

Q: Why are you running for public office? 

A: I am running for public office because I believe that we are living in a pivotal time in the history of our State and Nation. I’m deeply concerned with our government’s expanding powers, and the threat that this expansion poses to our constitutionally protected freedoms. I’m also concerned about the out of control spending, debt, and growing government entitlements that are putting the next generation’s future at risk. My concerns have compelled me to run for the House of Representatives in Washington State. I have the opportunity to bring real life experience, common sense, integrity, accountability, and strong leadership to Olympia (our State capitol) next year. 

Q: How will your experience as a police officer affect your service in the State House?

A: My experience and training as a Police Officer has given me a great understanding and appreciation for the law, which will help me as a State Legislator in enacting policies and laws. Having been on the enforcement side of the law, I have seen examples where certain laws are not practical or are not being properly enforced. This experience will help me in enacting laws and policies that will be able to be the most effective. Also, public safety is a paramount duty of our State government- a duty which I believe is being neglected by our current majority party in Washington State. My experience as a Police Officer will help me to prioritize public safety and make sure that adequate funding and polices are in place in Washington State in order to protect our citizens and our police officers.

Q: What are some of the challenges you believe your campaign must overcome to mount a successful election?

A: We will be vastly outspent by our incumbent opponent because of one sided union support and special interest groups. My opponent also has stronger name I.D. in the district since he is the 16 year incumbent, however, this year that may end up being a negative as there is an anti-incumbency mood amongst the voters. It is also possible that my opponent will try to scare people because of my Iranian background. 

Our solution: We are running a grassroots campaign. I believe that we will need to have over 1500 individual donations to win this campaign. Our campaign has also been very preemptive with my story and background so that the voters will know the truth of who I am, where I come from and what I stand for. It is my story and I have nothing to hide. I am proud of my Iranian American background and I believe that the voters of Washington State will embrace a man who has a strong cultural understanding and offers a fresh new multi-cultural face to public office.

Read More: http://paaia.org/cs/news_events/paaia_feature_articles/newest_articles/meet-shahram-hadian-candidate-for-washington-state-house-of-representatives 

Click here for more information on Shahram Hadian’s campaign.