If it’s up to state legislators from North Idaho, the federal health-care overhaul law commonly known as “Obamacare” will continue to be a hot topic next year. “It is such a huge issue,” state Sen. Steve Vick said Wednesday at the annual Legislative Send-off luncheon at the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn. The event was hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, and legislators shared their outlooks for the legislative session starting next month in Boise. Ron Mendive (pictured), a newly elected Republican state House member from Coeur d’Alene, said Obamacare — also known as the Affordable Care Act — is a “job killer.” “As far as industry goes, that’s a really serious issue,” Mendive said. “The federal government is trying to take over one-fifth of the U.S. economy, and that has ramifications far beyond anything we have even begun to discuss to this point.” He’s hoping the state can come up with alternatives/David Cole, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Which North Idaho representatives are most likely to continue opposing Obamacare, including Gov. Butch Otter's call for a state-run health care exchange?