Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Simpson, Stallings clash in final round of the ‘Idaho Debates’

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, left, shakes hands with Democratic challenger Richard Stallings, right, at the
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, left, shakes hands with Democratic challenger Richard Stallings, right, at the "Idaho Debates" on Sunday (Idaho Public Television / Aaron Kunz)

The final round of the “Idaho Debates” last night featured 2nd District GOP Congressman Mike Simpson debating Democratic challenger Richard Stallings, a former 2nd District congressman. The two clashed repeatedly on everything from wilderness to immigration reform to taxes. Stallings said, “This is the worst Congress ever,” while Simpson countered, “Actually, this has been a Congress that has tried to get things done, but we’re divided. The Republicans control the House, the Democrats control the Senate. … The Senate hasn’t actually been doing anything. The House has continued to do our work.”

Stallings told Simpson, “I think it’s great you have Senate to blame.” He called it “criminal” that the Congress hasn’t passed immigration reform or raised the minimum wage. You can watch the full debate online here at Idaho Public Television.

That’s also the place to see all seven of the “Idaho Debates” held in advance of tomorrow’s general election, in races ranging from governor to state treasurer to state superintendent of schools. The debates were co-sponsored by the Idaho Press Club and the League of Women Voters of Idaho and broadcast statewide on Idaho Public Television. If you’re trying to decide how to vote in these races, and want a chance to see the candidates face off directly, it’s must-see TV.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

Follow Betsy online: