Malek On Hot Seat

After the formal presentation by legislators at the Saturday forum, appointed Trustee Brent Regan, left, of the Coeur d'Alene School Board engages in an intense discussion with state Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d'Alene, right. Regan opposes the state exchange proposed by Gov. Butch Otter and supported by Malek and a freshman delegation of 16. John Cross, one area Republican leader has threatened to oppose Malek's political future as a result of the freshman representative's support of the governor's plan. (Duane Rasmussen photo for Huckleberries Online)

Huffing and puffing (from Tom Hasslinger's Coeur d'Alene Press story)”

• When John Cross told Malek he could no longer support Malek's political career as a result of the freshman's state exchange stance, Malek said: “I'm honored, honored to have this seat, but I'm not going to sacrifice my principals.”
• “This issue is: Are we going to fight for liberty?” Jeff Ward, chair of a local Republican political group, asked the legislators. Or does the state instead plan to succumb to “tyranny,” he asked.
• “In their hearts they're doing the right thing,” Nonini said of state exchange supporters, like Malek and Sen. John Goedde, who was also on hand. “But in their minds they're not.”

Question: The Reagan Republicans supported the three Kootenai County legislators who favor the state-run exchange — Malek, Morse & Goedde. Do you suppose they're having buyers' remorse?