Christina Crawford, the Benewah County commissioner who supported Democrat Keith Allred in the general election, was shown the door by voters Tuesday night, according to Dan Hammes, St. Maries Gazette-Record. Phil Lampert easily defeated incumbent Crawford in the race for county commissioner, 2080-892. Another incumbent Teresa Jeffrey also lost her bid for re-election as county assessor to Donna Spier, 1679-1312. Crawford is the daughter of late actress Joan Crawford. After her appointment to the county commission by Republican Gov. Butch Otter, Crawford made waves by suggesting that the county have better relations with the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe and occasionally raising a dissenting voice on the Jack Buell-led commission. Of the gubernatorial race, Crawford said: “Keith Allred is our best hope for a brighter Idaho future. He understands our issues: taxes, jobs, education and he is willing to work for everyone, not just the powerful few.” So much for independent thought in the Benewah County Courthouse.

Question: Is there room for independent-thinking women in elected office in Benewah County?