Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur d'Alene, and former county commissioner Rick Currie listen to a question from the moderators at the chamber forum at North Idaho College Thursday night. (Photo: Duane Rasmussen)

A Berry Picker's analysis of the debate in Legislative District 4 last night: Train wreck from the get go. Malek appeared angry and sullen and itching for a fight, but not with his opponent Toby Schindelbeck who didn't get many remarks in but didn't embarrass himself either. Kathy Sims and Malek took so many shots at each other it appeared they were opponents. Rick Currie is such an inept communicator that it's painful to watch. Not sure of what points he might have tried to make. That race is a no-win for the voting public. John Goedde was garbed in a curious pale yellow suit and throughout looked like he would have rather been anywhere else but sitting next to his opponent Mary Souza. Mary performed well, informed and articulate and more measured than she's been in past forums. With the exception of engaging Malek in the tin foil hat conversation the Goedde v Souza match up might go to Mary on points.

Question: If you vote for Malek, should you be voting for Sims, too? And vice versa? They don't appear to be working on the same legislative team.