The Kootenai County Reagan Republicans learned — perhaps were reminded — that Coeur d'Alene City Councilman Dan Gookin doesn't tell people what they want to hear. Even if that means stepping on a landmine or two. Far from playing to a crowd Thursday, he told members of the Republican activist group exactly what he thinks. In a couple instances he knew the words wouldn't be well received. First, he didn't back down from his vote to approve an anti-discrimination ordinance to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. And it's not lost on him that it's a major social issue for the Republican group's members/David Cole, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Are you surprised that Councilman Gookin doesn't consider himself to be a Republican?