Asked about possible repeal of the 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - the amendment that established popular election of U.S. senators - Gov. Butch Otter said, "I want Idahoans to elect our U.S. senators. I have said time and time again, and I'll say it again, my focus is on the 10th Amendment. ... I certainly understand the frustration, but repealing the 17th Amendment is just not in the scope of political reality. It's theoretical."  Challenger Keith Allred responded, "Here at the City Club in Boise, Butch Otter tells you that he thinks Idahoans should elect their own senators, but when he goes across the state line to speak" at a Tea Party rally in Spokane he says the 17th Amendment was among the nation's "biggest mistakes." Said Allred, "This is what you see with career politicians." He added that he's a staunch defender of the 17th Amendment and "William Borah's good legacy on that."