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Peter Gounares
Peter Gounares was a 2012 Republican candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 1st Congressional District of Alabama.
Biography
Gounares was born in Mobile, Alabama. He attended the University of Miami, graduating with a degree in marine affairs. Gounares is a licensed real estate broker. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Campaign themes
2012
On his campaign site, Gounares presented seven main campaign themes[1]:
- Jobs
- Excerpt: "Our district is blessed with a great number of resources. One important resource is the Port of Mobile. As someone who comes from a family with deep roots in international trade, I see the endless possibilities our Port offers our district."
- BP/GCCF/Oil Spill
- Excerpt: "I will put the issue back in front of Congress and our nation. I will work to ensure that, once and for all, those along the Gulf Coast who were affected are justly compensated for what was taken from them."
- Economy
- Excerpt: "We need to abandon the idea that government can borrow its way out of debt. The private sector is the key to our nation’s resurgence, and government’s only job is to ensure fair play within the private sector."
- Energy
- Excerpt: "We should utilize all of America’s resources. Oil, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, clean coal, and geothermal are all technologies available today. Promote clean technologies through tax credits to those who utilize them, not tax penalties for those who don’t."
- Immigration
- Excerpt: " Our nation was built by immigrants who came here legally, and we should always cherish the idea of opening our doors to those who follow the rules. We must avoid rewarding those who came here by breaking our laws."
- Defense/Military
- Excerpt: "America should have the ability to protect its interests around the world but not be the world police. Other nations must be made to share responsibility for world stability."
- Term Limits
- Excerpt: "I continue to believe that serving in Congress should never be an occupation. It should be a term of service to our nation for a brief time period. Afterwards, a member of Congress should return to the private sector and allow others who have lived in the district and are more aware of what is taking place at home represent the people."
Elections
2012
Gounares ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Alabama's 1st District. Gounares was defeated by incumbent Jo Bonner in the March 13, 2012, primary.
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
 Jo Bonner Incumbent |
55.6% | 48,481 |
| Dean Young | 24.3% | 21,216 |
| Pete Riehm | 15.7% | 13,744 |
| Peter Gounares | 4.4% | 3,828 |
| Total Votes | 87,269 | |
2010
Gounares ran against incumbent Jo Bonner in the 2010 Republican primary for Alabama's 1st Congressional District.[2] Gounares says he decided to run due to Bonner's vote for the 2008 bank bail outs.[3]
| U.S. House, Alabama District 1 Primary Election Republican Primary, 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Jo Bonner Incumbent |
75.2% | 56,868 |
| Peter Gounares | 24.8% | 18,705 |
| Total Votes | 75,573 | |
RESTORE Act
Gounares and Pete Riehm stated that they oppose the RESTORE Act, which would distribute oil spill fines to the governments of states along the Gulf coast. Gounares said he instead favored handing out the money to the individuals affected by the spills, claiming that it would cause a local "economic boom." Riehm accused the RESTORE Act of inflating big government but did not favor handing the money out to individuals either. Incumbent Jo Bonner disagreed, stating, "I'm trying to be respectful to a dissenting view, but I would say it's very much a minority view."[4]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Gounares has been married to his wife, Bethany, since 2008. They have two sons, George and Bentley.
External links
- Peter Gounares Official Campaign Website
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Peter Gounares 2012 Twitter
- Peter Gounares 2012 Facebook Page
Footnotes
- ↑ Peter Gounares Official Campaign Site, "PIssues" accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ Al.Com, "Alabama state, U.S. Congress primary election results," June 2, 2010
- ↑ Al.Com, "Despite political ferment elsewhere, analysts see status quo prevailing in Tuesday's elections ," May 31, 2010
- ↑ Al.com, "GOP congressional challengers oppose RESTORE act," January 24, 2012
