Lance B. Kolbet
Lance B. Kolbet (Republican Party) ran for election to the Idaho State Senate to represent District 29. Kolbet lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Kolbet completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Kolbet was a 2016 Republican candidate for District 28A of the Idaho House of Representatives.[1]
Biography
Kolbet's professional experience includes working as the president of University Financial Group. He served in the United States Navy from 1987-1992. Kolbet earned his Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) and Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) professional designations from The American College.[2]
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Lance B. Kolbet completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kolbet's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Medicaid/Healthcare Education Increasing wages through economic development
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Medicaid and healthcare is a passion. I am a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), and have been licensed to provide healthcare to individuals and businesses alike. Through my professional trade association the National Association of Health Underwriters I am certified in Medicare, self funding, and advanced self funding. I feel that my 25 year career in financial services with an emphasis in healthcare has prepared me well to serve in the Idaho Senate.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
There are a number of people that I look up too. When I was in the Navy I served at the age of 18 with a man named Senior Chief Reynolds on the USS Henry M Jackson SSBN (G) submarine. He was inspiring and taught the true meaning of leadership. You would find him in the bilges with chem wipes cleaning up oil with the rest of us of a lower rank. He taught me leadership and how to lead in front. I have coffee just about every Tuesday and Thursday at the Veteran's Memorial Building. Not only are there a number that I look up to there, a few, I consider real hero's. Honestly, I find that I am blessed. I feel that I am truly a product of quite a few people hands that have shaped and molded me over the years, including my own children.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
There is a really good book called, "The right thing" by Capt. Waddle. I have seen him speak on two occasions and find his personal philosophy something that I aspire too. I was given the gift of a book that is an autobiography of Barry Goldwater. I might consider much of my philosophy along those lines, however, you would also have to sprinkle in a good amount of Milton Friedman. I suppose there is a slight streak of his philosophy in me.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
I think some of the most important characteristics would be transparency and ethics. I also think term limits might be able to help in this area as well. It seems that many get a taste of influence and control. I wish we could see more elected officials be bold and focus on the things that are the right things, irrespective of party politics.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I think the qualities that I posses that will serve me well in the Idaho Senate is my background in financial services. I am extremely committed to things when I set my mind too them. For example, this political race. The first race I ran in was in 2006. Here we are 12 years later. I have spent a fair amount of time studying leadership and believe this will be an important quality. I am bold and not afraid to be an outlier and stand alone on issues or things that I feel are the right thing.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office is much like being a fiduciary. I think if someone was to understand the duties and responsibilities of a fiduciary and what that means, you could apply it to an elected official. It is squarely about representing the interests of ALL individuals in your legislative district, even if they are not of the same political party. It means taking the time to be engaged in your community (legislative district) not just prior to election time. I would want someone to represent me that I occasionally see at the grocery store, a chamber business afterhours, civitan, rotary meeting, etc. They really should have their pulse of their community and the people that you represent feel that you are approachable and will listen.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I don't know how I would really leave a legacy. It is my intention to impose a 6 year maximum personal term limit if I am elected. I feel strongly that somewhere along the way many elected officials serve too long in their positions. I love my career in financial services and only wish to take a brief period to bend the needle. If there was a legacy that I could leave it would be (2) things. First, display a key leadership quality that shows no tolerance for the animosity that exists currently in our political climate. While me may not always agree, we need to hold our elected officials accountable to speak out loudly and boldly against others that would be tolerant to those that are mean spirited and divisive. It is important that leaders not allow this to occur. I would hope this could be a legacy and I could show others that it is okay to disagree, but also treat one another with civility. Lastly, it is my goal to require one credit in personal finance to graduate high school. Not as an elective, or an option. Not the discussion of economics. Personal finance to teach the difference between poverty and debt. There is a difference. Topics should include the basics in (Taxes, Insurance, Investments, a basic will,) throw in the difference between revolving credit and installment credit. The importance of home ownership (key to the reduction of debt). If we are to prepare our children in the world we live in today, these are the things that will be critical for them to know. In short, I would like to see Idaho become the 6th state that requires this as mandatory to graduate high school.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first historical even in my lifetime occurred on April 14th, 1989. This was the day that I was 20 years old and qualified in submarines earning my "dolphins". It was the culmination of almost a year of extreme pressure. When those dolphins were pinned on my chest, it was the first time in my life I felt very much a part of something bigger than myself. Other important milestones are the birth's of each of my children. The most recent historical event and one of my most painful is the loss of my ex-wife on August 15th, 2016. I have never come to know such a pain as to watch and feel the pain of your child who looses a parent in a tragic way and concurrently grieve for the loss yourself.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was Roto Rooter. I worked there during high school about 5 hrs per week. I was then quite happy to change jobs through a program in my high school called the Office Education Association. I started working at Sears in the credit department and walking around the store selling Discover Cards to people shopping in the store.
What happened on your most awkward date?
When I was in high school I went on a date when I was 17 years old with a woman that was not truthful about her age. She was I think about 22 years old. She exclaimed she attended Jerome High School. This ended up not being the case.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I think maybe Veteran's Day and Memorial Day equally. I really love my country. When serving in the military I had the opportunity to visit a few places. It provided a reference point for me personal to see just how blessed we are in America. I am truly thankful for the tremendous sacrifice that our military has made since the beginning. During each of those days occasionally I become a little somber and reverent, but also reflective.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I don't read as many fiction books as I would like. I read mostly trade journals, IRS publications, books that are published by my trade group The Million Dollar Round Table. Books written on topics such as leadership, charitable giving, etc.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
This is pretty easy. Probably one of the Star Trek characters. But not the one wearing the red uniform that beams down to the planet. We always know what happens to them. So I think maybe a science officer that wears a blue uniform, but I don't want to be Vulcan.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My view. My home has a view that overlooks Pocatello and front and center is an American Flag that fills a part of my bay window. At night time it is pretty spectacular.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Breakfast Club, Don't you forget about me.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Probably the struggle is that I really try and help people. However, it is a tough lesson at times that you cannot help someone until they are ready to be helped. Also, time management. I seem to never have time.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
In our legislature I like how we are set up. 70 House members and 35 State Senators. Each providing a good check and balance. Honestly, I think it is pretty vanilla comparatively to other states I might assume. But I could be wrong.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I think it does provide some value only if you have experience already being in the legislature. Especially in Idaho because we are not in session all year round. It really is it's own system and process. There would always be that period of time to understand a new system and process. But I believe the skills sets from the private sector has an equal value, if not more value at times than the experiences drawn from the public sector.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
I believe the greatest challenge to be the general fund revenues and the finite amount we have to work with. It will be healthcare that will be the greatest challenge over the next 10 years. If creative and bold decisions are not made in this area, it will crowd out other important services such as education.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
A working relationship. I would like to see a governor set an agenda and goals to accomplish. Somewhat like in the private sector. We should have a long term strategic plan that can measure outcomes and results. Additionally, I have to say there are many things being done right already in Idaho by the Governor's office. I like the fact that Idaho works diligently on trade outside of Idaho.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
In Idaho, this is especially critical. I serve an area that is a low population area compared to Ada and Canyon county. When Idaho redistricts in 2020, then most of the state's population will rest there. This increases the representation in those two counties while reducing representation in more rural areas. So to be able to serve the needs of the more rural areas, you need to build good relationships with those other legislators in other rural areas to effectively meet the unique needs of its constituents. Pocatello in which I would be representing creates even a more unique situation. It is a growing urban area, but surrounded completely by a rural area. So I believe that representing Pocatello, you just have to make great relationships with everyone. I think in a way, that scenario might prove to be uniquely challenging at times. Complicated.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
A commission for reapportionment will be formed by order of the Secretary of State. The commission should be comprised of 7 members. The leaders of the two largest political parties of each house of the legislature shall each designate one member and the state chairman of the two largest political parties, determined by the vote cast of the governor in the last gubernatorial election, shall each designate one member. The seventh member shall be selected by a majority vote of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state controller, state treasurer, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction. No member of the commission may be an elected or appointed official in the State of Idaho at the time of designation or selection. This is what we do now, but I would support and like to see a 7th member in the commission for redistricting and selected in the manner I indicated. Idaho went through a terrible situation in the past when we could not agree and had to look to the Idaho Supreme Court to determine what to do. I really don't like our judiciary being involved in things such as this. I think it is bad policy. Having a 7th member of the commission would fix that issue.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
I just want to serve on the committee(s) that I would be of the most use. Obviously, my background is squarely in financial services with an emphasis in healthcare. Joint Finance and Appropriations and Health and Welfare might be something suited for considering my vocation.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
Regarding leadership, I really just want to be placed in the areas that I might be of the greatest value.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
The number of stories that I hear tend to center around healthcare and the financial struggles of keeping it together. It can be pretty tough out there.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2016
Kolbet's campaign website highlighted the following issues:
| “ | Healthcare
Education
Economy/Jobs
|
” |
| —Lance Kolbet[4] | ||
Elections
2018
- See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Idaho State Senate District 29
Incumbent Mark Nye defeated Lance B. Kolbet in the general election for Idaho State Senate District 29 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Mark Nye (D) | 57.9 | 8,338 |
 | Lance B. Kolbet (R)  | 42.1 | 6,074 | |
| Total votes: 14,412 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Idaho State Senate District 29
Incumbent Mark Nye advanced from the Democratic primary for Idaho State Senate District 29 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Nye | 100.0 | 2,008 |
| Total votes: 2,008 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Idaho State Senate District 29
Lance B. Kolbet advanced from the Republican primary for Idaho State Senate District 29 on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lance B. Kolbet | 100.0 | 2,274 |
| Total votes: 2,274 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
Elections for the Idaho House of Representatives were held in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 11, 2016. Incumbent Ken Andrus (R) did not seek re-election.
Randy Armstrong defeated Steve Landon in the Idaho House of Representatives District 28A general election.[5][6]
| Idaho House of Representatives, District 28A General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Randy Armstrong |
64.96% | 12,499 | |
| Democratic | Steve Landon | 35.04% | 6,741 | |
| Total Votes | 19,240 | |||
| Source: Idaho Secretary of State | ||||
Steve Landon ran unopposed in the Idaho House of Representatives District 28A Democratic primary.[7][8]
| Idaho House of Representatives District 28A, Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Steve Landon (unopposed) | |
Randy Armstrong defeated Tari L. Jensen, Kay Jenkins and Lance B. Kolbet in the Idaho House of Representatives District 28A Republican primary.[9][10]
| Idaho House of Representatives District 28A, Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Randy Armstrong |
48.57% | 2,007 | |
| Republican | Tari L. Jensen | 18.32% | 757 | |
| Republican | Kay Jenkins | 17.69% | 731 | |
| Republican | Lance B. Kolbet | 15.42% | 637 | |
| Total Votes | 4,132 | |||
| Source: Idaho Secretary of State | ||||
2010
- See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2010
Kolbet had no opposition in the May 25 primary. He lost to Democrat Diane Bilyeu in the general election on November 2, 2010.
| Idaho State Senate, District 29 (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Diane Bilyeu (D)
|
7,222 | 51.4% | ||
| Lance Kolbet (R) | 6,831 | 48.6% | ||
2006
Kolbet was defeated in the Republican primary for the United States House of Representatives.
Recent news
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See also
- Idaho House of Representatives
- Idaho House of Representatives District 28
- Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2016
- State legislative elections, 2018
- Idaho State Senate elections, 2018
- Idaho State Legislature
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Declaration for March 11, 2016, primary," accessed March 11, 2016
- ↑ Lance for Idaho, "About," accessed September 18, 2018
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Lance for Idaho, "Lance Kolbet for Idaho," accessed April 28, 2016
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "General election candidate list," accessed August 16, 2016
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Nov 08, 2016 General Election Results," accessed November 25, 2016
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Declaration for March 11, 2016, primary," accessed March 11, 2016
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Official primary election results," accessed May 17, 2016
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Declaration for March 11, 2016, primary," accessed March 11, 2016
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Official primary election results," accessed May 17, 2016
