Dang: The real problem here is that the reps from North Idaho never band together. They're cats.

Dan of the County: Actually dang, my perception (and it could be wrong, I haven't run the statistics on voting patterns, etc.) is that the North Idaho delegation is usually pretty unified on voting for regional issues. It's just that our region is out voted by the southern regions. Even on the property tax relief via higher sales tax, the North Idaho Dems voted opposite the other D's from the rest of the state.

DFO: I lean DOTC's way on this one. The North Idaho delegation is pretty unified on issues that affect the region. And some have gained the seniority and respect to work their way up the pecking order to make a significant impact, like Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint, Rep. Jim Clark of Hayden, and John "I'm The Bear" Goedde of Coeur d'Alene. There's some culls in the North Idaho lineup. Overall, however, our current delegation is stronger than it's been in quite awhile.

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