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Will Hurd Cashes in on CIA Skills

Hurd's campaign is offering a "Crash and Bang" driving course. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Hurd's campaign is offering a "Crash and Bang" driving course. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

While many flocked to the theaters over the weekend to live vicariously as a secret agent through the latest James Bond film, some are paying a pretty penny to learn real skills from a CIA agent-turned-congressman.  

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, who is in his first term, is using his skills as a former C.I.A. agent to boost his re-election bid. His campaign is hosting a fundraiser on Nov. 20 called “Crash and Bang: Tactical and Offensive Driving with Rep. Will Hurd.” “Have you ever wanted to learn how to make a turn at high speeds? Do you want to learn how to do a J-turn like you see in the movies? Do you know how to disable a car that is chasing you?” teased an email for the event a tipster sent to HOH.  

Only 12 American citizens can participate in the event, and at a cost. The event registration lists the price of admission at $5,000 per political action committee or individual.  

Hurd was at the CIA for nearly 10 years, working as an undercover agent in the Middle East and South Asia “collecting intelligence,” according to his congressional website. He told The Washington Post  his role was “to recruit spies and steal secrets.”  

And now Hurd is sharing some CIA driving tips with donors. The email encourages participants to “come spend the day learning all kinds of offensive and tactical driving skills that were taught to our undercover spies when they went through the secret training facility called ‘The Farm.'”  

“The Farm,” otherwise known as Camp Peary near Williamsburg, Va., is a secretive training facility for CIA agents.  

Hurd’s campaign donors will learn the driving techniques far away from there, at International Training Inc., a security training facility in Texas.  

According to the invite, the event will start at 8 a.m. with a bus trip to the facility and will be done by 5 p.m. Participants will be treated to breakfast tacos, as well as a barbecue lunch.  

Hurd’s campaign manager did not respond to a request for comment on the driving event. The Texas Republican faces a tough race in what is likely Texas’ only competitive congressional district in 2016. His re-election is one of 12 House races the Rothenberg & Gonzalez Political Report/Roll Call rates a Tossup .


Parties Gear Up for Crucial Test in Only Competitive Texas District


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